Here is the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, April 19, 2024. In today’s edition, Rafael Devers gets some good news, Tyler O’Neill needs additional time off, and Alex Cobb needs to pump the brakes on his recovery. All that and more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report for Friday, April 19, 2024.
Rafael Devers – 3B Boston Red Sox
Alex Cora says Rafael Devers has a “bone bruise” inside of the knee, but “should be fine” and not an IL situation.
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) April 18, 2024
The fantasy baseball world held their collective breath as news came out of Devers going in for an MRI. When it was revealed that he was suffering from a bone bruise, there was some relief. It would appear that he will avoid the Injured List while he works through the pain of the situation here. That being said, it wouldn’t be surprising if he missed this weekend’s series at the Pirates while he let his knee heal.
Tyler O’Neill – OF Boston Red Sox
Tyler O'Neill will travel with the team this weekend and hopes to play as soon as he is eligible for the start of the Cleveland series. "That is the goal," O'Neill said.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) April 18, 2024
O’Neill will head to the 7-day Injured List for concussion symptoms. There were some murmurs before this that he would be ready to play as early as today. It would appear that both he and the team will play it safe and give him the time he needs to come back to 100% health.
Nick Pivetta – SP Boston Red Sox (Elbow Flexor Strain)
Pivetta is throwing at 120 feet today and tomorrow and is checked for a bullpen on Saturday.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) April 18, 2024
Pivetta’s recovery plan has accelerated in nature as of late. His scheduled bullpen for Saturday should be a good indication of what’s next and how fast the team should be going with him and his recovery process.
Alex Cobb – SP San Francisco Giants
Alex Cobb said after game tonight that he had MRI that came back clean, and he will throw on flat going tomorrow. So all good for now. https://t.co/91cUfwz4EU
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) April 19, 2024
Cobb’s recovery had accelerated in nature early in spring when it was believed that he might be ready close to Opening Day. It was then revealed that he was suffering from mild shoulder inflammation, so the team pumped the brakes on anything related to throwing. While the MRI did come back clean, it is somewhat alarming that he did suffer this setback. His throwing from flat ground seems like a much safer place to start again to see if he can continue from where he left off.
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B Texas Rangers
In non-Jack Leiter news: Bruce Bochy said there isn't a firm number of rehab at bats Nathaniel Lowe needs, but said it could be "about 30, could be more."
He's had 12 so far. He homered on Sunday.
"I'm surprised he didn't call and say, 'I'm ready.'"
— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) April 17, 2024
Lowe is feeling better but will need approximately 30 at-bats or so before returning to the Rangers. For what it’s worth, he is only 3-for-20 in six games at all minor league levels thus far in his rehab.
Taj Bradley – SP Tampa Bay Rays
Bradley is slowly progressing from his pectoral strain but could be nearing the end of his recovery soon. While building his stamina takes time, we could see him back with the Rays in the next three weeks, with a rehab assignment beginning soon.
Michael Massey – 2B Kansas City Royals
This isn't déjà vu, Michael Massey has home runs two games in a row! pic.twitter.com/6krRwLepPk
— Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) April 17, 2024
Massey has hit .433 with two home runs in eight games played for Omaha. He has struck out only twice and walked just as many times. It is believed that he will be called up later on today. Be prepared.
Walker Buehler – SP Los Angeles Dodgers
Walker Buehler's night is done after just 2⅔ innings and 68 pitches
Got the first 2 outs of the 3rd inning but then allowed a single
2 runs, 4 hits, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts. Left with a runner on first base
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) April 19, 2024
Not the outing that he or the Dodgers wanted to see. Buehler had difficulty locating his pitches, specifically non-fastball-related offerings. It is unclear whether or not this start did damage to the strong possibility of him debuting next week or not. Stay tuned.
Robert Stephenson – RP Los Angeles Angels
Angels say Robert Stephenson will undergo elbow surgery, after announcing last night he will miss the entire season.
— Erica Weston (@EricaLWeston) April 18, 2024
Stephenson will have season-ending surgery on his elbow soon. The specifics of the operation have not been released.
Jameson Taillon – SP Chicago Cubs, Patrick Wisdom – 3B Chicago Cubs
The #Cubs activated Jameson Taillon and Patrick Wisdom from the IL and optioned RHP Hayden Wesneski and INF Miles Mastrobuoni to Triple-A.
— Andy Martínez (@amartinez_11) April 18, 2024
Both Taillon and Wisdom will have to wait one more day to make their returns to the Cubs. They will still get a chance to play against the Marlins, making it an optimal matchup. Taillon is believed to be the team’s starter while Wisdom may or may not be depth off the bench.