Injury Report 7/16: Every Player’s DL Situation

UPDATES

Avisail Garcia (OF, Chicago White Sox) – Recent reports that I have been directed to via comments on the previous edition of the Injury Report indicate that the White Sox expect Garcia to return just after the ASB. This seems optimistic to me, but I’ve listed it as Garcia’s expected return date. Owners should be very cautious of further injury to Garcia’s hamstring as it doesn’t make much sense at all to rush him back in this way.

ADDITIONS

Arodys Vizcaino (RP, Atlanta Braves) – Vizcaino missed 2 weeks with shoulder inflammation at the end of June. It is possible that he is out for a similar period this time, though the Braves may opt to hold him out for longer to avoid another recurrence.

Eduardo Rodriguez (SP, Boston Red Sox) – From video, this looks to be an eversion ankle sprain. X-rays returning negative and the Red Sox stating it’s non-operational at this time tell us that we’re at Grade 2. The Sox will keep E-Rod immobilized in a boot for approximately two weeks and then reevaluate – total timetable for an ideal course of recovery would be able 8 weeks.

Rafael Devers (3B, Boston Red Sox) – The Red Sox are expecting Devers to return right after the ASB. MRI came back negative and retroactive DL move will allow him to return on 7-21-18 if ready.

Scott Schebler (OF, Cincinnati Reds) – Video of this injury doesn’t lead me to believe any serious damage was done. I anticipate Schebler will be ready to go after the ASB.

Edwin Encarnacion (RP, Cleveland Indians) – This appears to just be a contusion, though I’ve not seen the results of any imaging. Encarnacion should return after the ASB unless we hear otherwise.

Corey Kluber (SP, Cleveland Indians) – Kluber should be set to take the ball shortly after the ASB. Hopefully, this knee issue has been the root of Kluber’s recent struggles and will clear up through the injection he received on 7-13-18.

Harrison Musgrave (RP, Colorado Rockies) – Musgrave is dealing with a hip flexor strain of an unknown grade. He may end up missing more than the projected timetable.

Antonio Senzatela (SP, Colorado Rockies) – Senzatela should be ready to return just after the ASB.

Francisco Liriano (SP, Detroit Tigers) – Further updates are required, but it currently appears that Liriano will be able to return after the ASB.

Justin Turner (3B, Los Angeles Dodgers) – Turner should be ready to return after the ASB.

Albert Pujols (DH, Los Angeles Angels) – Pujols received an injection into his left knee and is expected to return when first eligible on 7-23-18.

Aaron Slegers (SP, Minnesota Twins) – Slegers is battling some shoulder inflammation. It is possible he is able to return while first eligible, though an early-August return may be more likely.

Logan Morrison (1B, Minnesota Twins) – LoMo will miss an extended period with this hip impingement. It may make sense for the Twins to hold him out for a full rehab assignment to see if he can return to being a productive hitter.

Jonathan Villar (2B, Milwaukee Brewers) –  This has been identified as a right thumb sprain despite an MRI showing no structural damage – which is a bit of a contradiction. If anything it seems like a jammed thumb or a mild Grade 1 sprain. In either case, Villar should return just after he is first eligible.

Junior Guerra (SP, Milwaukee Brewers) – Additional updates are required, as forearm tightness can often be the precursor for more serious elbow injuries. His timetable will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Eric Thames (1B, Milwaukee Brewers) – This appears to be a minor hamstring injury and some reports list that Thames should be able to return as soon as he is eligible. I am going to bake in a bit of pessimism, though it still seems he should return prior to the start of August.

Asdrubal Cabrera (SP, New York Mets) – X-rays came back negative and Cabrera is expected to be ready to play immediately after the ASB.

Zach Eflin (SP, Philadelphia Phillies) – Eflin missed his Sunday start due to a blister. He should be able to take the ball when first called upon after the ASB.

Josh Harrison (2B, Pittsburgh Pirates) – Harrison is currently DTD though that could change after further evaluation.

Francisco Cervelli (C, Pittsburgh Pirates) – Cervelli has been battling concussion symptoms for the last month and returned to the DL on 7-14-18. Hopefully, he is able to rest and recover and return to regular play – I currently have him set for the start of August.

James Paxton (SP, Seattle Mariners) – This issue is reportedly minor and the Mariners expect Paxton to return on 7-24-18.

Jeff Samardzija (SP, San Francisco Giants) –  Samardzija continues to battle shoulder difficulties. He is set to undergo an MRI which may help to inform our timetable though it is becoming hard to imagine he makes an impact in 2018.

Harrison Bader (OF, St. Louis Cardinals) – Bader experienced a minor left knee hyperextension and is currently expected to return right after the ASB.

Matt Duffy (3B, Tampa Bay Rays) – Duffy injured his ankle on a swing but is expected to return immediately following the ASB.

Wilson Ramos (C, Tampa Bay Rays) – Ramos has stated he expects to hit the DL and shouldn’t be counted on to contribute prior to the start of August.

Alex Claudio (RP, Texas Rangers) – Claudio hit the DL with an ankle sprain through a retroactive move. He isn’t likely to miss much more than the minimum.

Kevin Pillar (OF, Toronto Blue Jays) – Pillar will miss at least a month due to this sprain. It doesn’t help his timetable that this occurred on his right side and may lead us toward the 6-week end of the timetable.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (OF, Toronto Blue Jays) – I’m always a bit extra cautious with concussions, and Gurriel may be able to return prior to the start of August. Monitor for updates.