Hello and welcome to the Injury Report!
This roundup is a biweekly article, published on Mondays and Fridays, where I aim to detail approximately five relevant injuries that have occurred over the past few days or provide an update on the injury of a prominent MLB player. I will try to incorporate the available information as well as my own knowledge and experience to approximate a return date in each case, noting the individual characteristics of the injuries and of the players themselves.
If you have questions regarding an injury not detailed in this article, feel free to comment below, and I will give my best effort to provide a timely update.
Justin Upton—Left Quad Tightness
Justin Upton is day-to-day with left quad tightness. Upton left Wednesday’s game early and was held out of the lineup on Thursday. This appears to be a minor injury for now, and Upton may be able to return over the weekend.
Estimated return: This weekend or early next week.
Tommy La Stella—Right Tibia Fracture
Tommy La Stella hit the IL with a right tibia fracture revealed by imaging. La Stella is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks.
Estimated return: Early to mid-September.
Matt Carpenter—Lower Back Strain
Matt Carpenter has hit the IL as a result of a lower back strain. He expects to return on July 12, right after the All-Star break. This injury is reportedly minor, though a lingering back injury would surely not help Carpenter as he is already having a poor year.
Estimated return: July 12.
Brandon Lowe—Right Shin Contusion
Brandon Lowe heads to the IL, retroactive to July 3, with a right shin contusion. This injury will unfortunately hold him out of the All-Star Game. Lowe should be able to return when first eligible on July 13.
Estimated return: July 13.
David Peralta—Right Shoulder Injury
David Peralta is set to undergo an MRI after leaving Wednesday’s game early because of right shoulder tightness. This has been a lingering issue for Peralta, and as it is his front shoulder while batting, it is very possible that this injury helped to limit him to two home runs the past twp months. Hopefully an MRI will shed some light on the situation.
Estimated return: Timetable to be determined pending MRI, but IL stint appears likely.
If there is a player you would like information on who I have not detailed in this article please comment below, and I will reply as I am able.
Graphic by Michael Haas (@digitalHaas on Twitter)
What is a realistic return date for Rich Hill? He was placed on 60 Day IL , June 20th with the earliest return of Aug 20th. Dodgers management doesn’t seem to believe he will be back before Sep 1st. Thinking about dropping him. What’s your take?
I’m still holding him in my keeper where my IL is full, just because a few solid Hill starts in September will probably outweigh whatever I end up filling his spot with now.
With that said, it’s still a gamble. A pitcher of Hill’s age may take a tad longer to come back from an injury like this. Keep in mind that he will return approximately a month after he resumes a throwing program, so if he doesn’t begin throwing until late August he won’t be a factor until late September which may not be worth your roster spot.
Thanks Jeff. Sound analysis on Weaver and Taillon as well. I’ll hold off a bit on Hill. Sadly, I also have to decide what to do with Carlos Carrasco. Really pulling for him. I assume he will be going through treatments and just don’t think he will be back this year.
what are realistic return dates for Luke Weaver and Jameson Taillon? Thanks!
The earliest I could see either return is first week of August for Taillon and first week of September for Weaver. However, a realistic expectation is that they don’t significantly contribute for the remainder of 2019 – with Weaver perhaps not pitching again until next year.