Here is the Fantrax Injury Report for Friday, March 17, 2023.
The season is not here yet, but why not get a head start and jump in a Fantrax Classic Draft contest? Get a jump on the season with a Best Ball league or maybe a Draft and Hold. Or put some green on the line with a new season-long league to try and conquer. There’s no better time than now to get your baseball on!
MLB Injury Report for March 17
Mark Melancon – RP, Arizona Diamondbacks
RHP Mark Melancon has a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder per @Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo. He is getting a PRP injection. Will open year on injured list.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) March 16, 2023
Melancon had an outside shot of getting saves for the committee crew that is the Diamondbacks. Instead, he’ll miss the first few months of the season and likely be eased back into playing. At the age of 37, he should be off of any radar for the time being.
Kyle Wright – SP, Atlanta Braves
Kyle Wright threw two innings on the back fields yesterday. He'll make the first of two Grapefruit League starts next week and then make his final tuneup against Minor Leaguer after the Braves leave camp. He's lined up to make his season debut in St. Louis (April 3-5)
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 16, 2023
After a scare to start the spring, Wright seems to be on his way back to being solidified in the Braves’ rotation. It’s hopeful that his shoulder woes are in the rearview mirror.
Mike Soroka – SP, Atlanta Braves
He did PFP drills yesterday. https://t.co/XBo5g3FnYZ
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 16, 2023
This is encouraging because his hamstring would need to be healed in order to do these drills. That said, he hasn’t pitched in a game yet, so he may need some time to ramp up to being game ready. While this all seems well and good, he’s been made to look healthy before, so owners shouldn’t hold their breath just yet.
Garrett Whitlock – SP/RP, Boston Red Sox
Garrett Whitlock looked fantastic in his 2 innings of work.
3 Ks, 1 BB, 0 Hits, 0 ER/R.
Just what you wanted to see. pic.twitter.com/p0toUGEQ2m
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) March 15, 2023
The tweet says it all. While it’s important to see how his body responds to this, all looks good for now with Whitlock.
Edwin Diaz – RP, New York Mets
New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during the celebration after Puerto Rico’s WBC victory against the Dominican Republic. He will need surgery and is expected to miss the season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 16, 2023
Devastatingly unsurprising news here, as the Mets will now scramble for relief help. One has to think that David Robertson will get the lion’s share of saves here, though nothing has been confirmed. Above all else, here’s hoping that Diaz can heal quickly and be back as soon as possible. The timeline for this type of injury is anywhere from six to eight months. What that means is that if he can recover quickly, there’s a chance that we see him in the postseason.
Ranger Suarez – SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Ranger Suárez (left forearm) had another good day, Rob Thomson said, but the manager conceded that Suárez likely will not be fully built up by the time the season begins. Phillies would still carry him in rotation regardless.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 16, 2023
Unfortunate news, but it seems that he’s destined to miss one or two starts if any. The Phillies will need help at the back of their rotation, so getting Suarez healthy is what’s important. Bailey Falter remains an option for the team for now.
Bryce Harper – OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Bryce Harper hit via soft toss today, another progression for him in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He had been hitting off a practice tee every other day.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 16, 2023
Great news here as he continues to progress. This should help him work on his timing before they speed up the pitches.
Andrew McCutchen – OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew McCutchen is dealing with "very minor" right elbow soreness. The team does not believe the injury to be significant.
Tomczyk: "Out of an abundance of caution, we're taking it very slow with Andrew."
— Justice delos Santos (@justdelossantos) March 16, 2023
Nothing from this seems overly serious, so the hope is that some rest will heal all. Keep an eye on this situation just in case things get worse or don’t go away.
Mitch Haniger – OF San Francisco Giants
The biggest problem in Haniger’s career has been his inability to stay healthy. The talent is there, but his body just hasn’t been able to consistently showcase it. Here’s hoping that additional rest now will help keep him on the field later.
Dylan Moore – OF, Seattle Mariners
Dylan Moore felt some discomfort in his side this morning while hitting in the cage and was scratched from thelineup. He's going to have it checked out more.
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) March 16, 2023
Not good news at all, considering he was recovering from core muscle surgery this offseason. The swinging in the cages was supposed to be a big step forward which has instead transformed into a potentially big step backward. Stay tuned.
JP Crawford – SS, Seattle Mariners
J.P. Crawford is the DH for today's Cactus League game, but Scott Servais is hopeful that the shortstop will return to the diamond from his "soggy shoulder" by Sunday or Monday.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) March 16, 2023
The positive news is that Crawford sees the end in sight for his shoulder woes. Time will tell if he’s ready or not.
Jacob deGrom – SP Texas Rangers, Nathan Eovaldi – SP Texas Rangers
Something to monitor for both Rangers’ pitchers here going forward. This puts the bullpen in quite a predicament for the time being. Owners need to be aware of this pitch count and how their bodies respond to gameplay in the first few weeks.
Cade Cavalli – SP Washington Nationals
Cade Cavalli has a Grade 3 sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament and will require Tommy John surgery, the Nationals announce. Brutal news.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) March 16, 2023
Horrible news for Cavalli and the team. The Nationals have been snake-bitten for a while with their pitching, and things continue to get worse for them. They may need to wait until the 2025 season to see what they have in Cavalli.