Under The Knife 3/31/25

Just Watch That Instead

I was going to do a whole thing on new pitches, including a new definition of a pitch, when Lance Brozdowski went and did it better than I could, and visually:

So watch that and let’s get to the injuries:

MAX SCHERZER, SP TOR (inflamed thumb)

Initially, Max Scherzer was listed as leaving after 45 pitches due to a lat injury. After the game, Scherzer said it was related to his ongoing thumb issue, which had previously been noted as happening around 50 pitches. On Sunday, the Jays placed Scherzer on the List with only the thumb inflammation.

The diagnosis, or lack thereof, is notable. The Jays would know if this was a sprain or strain, so the fact that this isn’t structural makes it a bit tougher to fix. Those could be reconstructed or repaired with some time lost, but not too much even for a pitcher. Now, there’s something of an unknown here as Scherzer heads to the US to see a hand specialist. He’s previously seen team doctors on this, as well as some consulting opinions. Without much information to go on, there’s really no range to give here and Scherzer has to be considered out indefinitely. Don’t be surprised if he heads cross-country to Kerlan-Jobe for this check.

There’s risk here for anything given Scherzer’s age, but he’s also resilient. His stuff has been good, even if the thumb issue has been problematic. There’s a question of how whatever is wrong will be fixed and how long that would put his throwing down for, but it’s secondary to whether the problem can be fixed at all right now.

TREA TURNER, SS PHI (back spasms)

Trea Turner is having what a source told me are “garden variety back spasms.” For anyone that’s had them, the fact that they’re considered minor, or common, doesn’t make them any less painful or annoying. In fact, that can make them more so. The hope is that they’re transient and that he can get back there, but Turner’s speed/power combo of athleticism is exactly the kind that can be colored by even small situations like back spasms.

Signing an 11 year deal changes the short and long term nature of most things and Turner isn’t far from when he signed that landmark deal. While the minority ownership of the Phillies didn’t get the Celtics - it was close - they can now focus on winning in Philly, alongside the Eagles and locking in a title on the baseball side of the city. It’s really all that Turner and Bryce Harper need to set themselves up for Cooperstown and for Philly legend.

Assuming that Turner gets the day off paired with the off-day and comes out the other side much more comfortable, it’s a win. There is some concern given that back spasms often recur, but then again, they often don’t. Some of this comes down to what caused it, if known, and also to the medical staff that drives them out. It’s not an exorcism but at times, it feels like it. At age-31 and early in a long term deal, the Phillies have to hope that Turner’s back isn’t a long term concern that creates reduced value.

It’s been a good first week/end of baseball, but you know what makes it better? A winning fantasy team. Getting all the info and context to know what’s going on with your favorite team and player. And other assorted nonsense you get at Under The Knife. Get it all for $5 a month!