Under The Knife 7/3/23

Catching Up before Blowing Up

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I celebrated a birthday on Friday, so thanks for giving me the time off. Today, I’m going to try and catch up on everything that happened, so think of this as an extended Quick Cuts. Shorter, but more players and enough to give you context. Let’s get to it:

CORBIN CARROLL, OF ARZ (inflamed shoulder)

As Corbin Carroll came out of the game late last week, it looked to me like a stinger. It’s not uncommon for the nerve to get stretched on a hard swing with the head out of position. If you were like me and over-swung at everything in high school, you know that burning sensation. The Diamondbacks haven’t confirmed or denied that was it, but they have said whatever it is isn’t related to his 2019 shoulder capsule surgery. Carroll was pencilled into the lineup on Sunday, but ended up only appearing as a pinch hitter. The situation remains closely watched.

SHANE MCCLANAHAN, SP TBR (strained back)

The Rays do not need another pitching injury; as good as they are, there’s only so much depth and looking ahead to a tighter playoff rotation, Shane McClanahan would have to be at the top of the rotation with Tyler Glasnow and Zach Eflin. Having the big lefty would help matchups and, he’s been their best pitcher regardless of hand. McClanahan’s back issues are said to be minor, but no back injury is really nothing, especially if this is a strain, as I’m hearing. He’s going to the IL, while the word is this is something of a precaution, but it’s still not good. The issue is who’s next up. Elvin Rodriguez is - you guessed it - on the MiLB IL, out for a month with elbow issues, but most of the team’s prospects are still raw Biscuits (AA.) The Rays went with Jalen Beeks, which could indicate we’ll see some opener action and some stress on the pen.

CHRIS SALE, SP BOS (fractured shoulder)

Chris Sale is throwing again, which is always a good sign, but not one that locks things down. So many injuries like Sale’s are only taxed at high intensity and Sale is a ways from that in the best case. The stress reaction in his scapula is healing well, making it possible for him to start throwing again. It’s light, barely a game of catch, and designed to get him in the motion without taxing the bony process where the muscle is pulling too hard. The situation continues to echo Jacob deGrom’s similar injury from last year in healing time, so we could still see Sale back in late August if all goes well.

AARON JUDGE, OF NYY (turf toe)

Aaron Judge was seen in the outfield, throwing. A picture I saw — and wish i could include here — had him in what I think were tennis shoes instead of cleats. I could be wrong. If they can make these, maybe Judge has something more advanced. I mention this only because the common treatment for turf toe is a shank, a metal or carbon fiber insole that keeps the toes from being extended or flexed. While there could well be a shank in “street shoes”, it’s more normal to test how the toe responds in the shoes he’d have to wear in-game. Regardless, him being on the field and playing catch is progress. I still think we’ll see Judge much sooner than most are making it seem now, largely because of the lack of understanding about his injury.

ZACH NETO, IF LAA (strained oblique)

Zach Neto was just the first of the 2022 crop to come up as the Angels have gotten aggressive with their promotions, in part because of injuries. Neto’s time on the IL with an oblique strain hasn’t helped the team, but he’s closer to a comeback as he’s restarting baseball activities. He was fielding on the field (an odd phrasing …) but a source tells me the team is likely to wait until after the ASB to activate him and may send him on a very short rehab assignment before that.

MAX FRIED, SP ATL (strained forearm)
MICHAEL SOROKA, SP ATL (Achilles strain/rehab)

The Braves are making the NL East look silly in June. Getting back two solid pitchers seems like an embarrassment of riches, but the Braves medical staff has been working on both Max Fried and Michael Soroka for a while. Soroka’s long journey through two Achilles repairs is well noted, so looking solid in his weekend return against the Marlins - supported by 16 runs - was a nice finish to a lot of hard work by Soroka, Braves staff, and some off-site people he worked with closely. Max Fried is also closer, throwing to live hitters and possibly readying for a rehab assignment. The expectation is he’ll join Gwinnett after the ASB, which the minors are also breaking for concurrently.

CARLOS RODON, SP NYY (inflamed back)

Carlos Rodon had a nice, if short, rehab stint at Hudson Valley over the weekend and it looks like his next start will be for the Yankees. He went 58 pitches and has had no trouble with his arm or back during the stint. There’s likely to be a limit on him for his first couple starts, but it’s clear his pitch ability is there, so why waste more time, especially as the Yankees try and right the ship here mid-season. Add in that the ASB will give him a little bit of rest - which might not be what he needs - and the Yankees rotation is starting to shape up.

NICK LODOLO, SP CIN (fractured tibia)
HUNTER GREENE, SP CIN (inflamed hip)

America’s team has been on a run, now tied with the Brewers at the top of the NL Central, and has done it without their top two starters. If they can hang on through July, this is going to be an interesting team in August and after, especially if Nick Krall can add one more mid-level pitcher so as not to overtax the still-young arms at the top. The team isn’t expecting Hunter Greene back until early August, though a specialist visit could offer some clarity on the timeline. The same is true for Nick Lodolo, whose tibia stress reaction has him off his foot and certainly not throwing. The longer he’s out, the more of a ramp up he’ll need, pushing a return back as well.

BRYCE MILLER, SP SEA (blister finger)

Miller has a simple blister. It’s interesting in that blisters seem slightly down on the year, but we’ve had a couple in Miller and Stroman in the last week. Maybe it’s knowing Meredith Wills for years, but I’m wondering if something’s different with the ball. Blister treatment has gotten slightly better over the last couple decades, but it’s still mostly just waiting.

MASON MILLER, SP OAK (sprained elbow)

The shift to the 60-day IL is an acknowledgement of where Mason Miller is, but it’s not a sign that his season is over. The sprain in his UCL is serious enough to have him out this long, and at least another month, but it’s not headed for surgery just yet. There’s enough progress and positive signs that the A’s still think he could be back well before the team leaves Oakland, which might not be the case with Tommy John.

DILLON TATE, RP BAL (strained forearm)

Dillon Tate’s rehab assignment didn’t last long, and now he’s consulting with at least one specialist about his injury and options. That could well include surgery, ending his 2023 and perhaps his 2024 in the worst case. Expecting him back in the Baltimore pen isn’t happening anytime soon, if at all, and the role is one that might be filled by trade if Tate is ruled out.

NESTOR CORTES, SP NYY (strained rotator cuff)

With Carlos Rodon coming back and Nestor Cortes getting closer, the Yankees rotation isn’t just Gerrit Cole and hope for a perfect game from someone. (Domingo German goes for the Vander Meer on Monday against the Orioles and I’m very curious to see if there’s any carryover or fatigue. No hitters are singularly stressful.) Nestor Cortes is upping his work on the mound and could start a rehab assignment just after the ASB. Things are looking positive for Cortes, but he’ll add in breaking stuff later this week. So far, his rotator cuff appears to be doing well with the increased volume and intensity of his throwing program.

JEREMY PENA, SS HOU (strained neck)

I’m no Dusty Baker fan or apologist. Things he did earlier in his career - two in specific - will keep me from applauding too much when he gets to Cooperstown, but I’ll acknowledge that enshrinement is deserved. There’s a lot to like about Baker, personally and professionally, and his growth as a manager is an interesting case. However, he does not like to play shorthanded and losing Jeremy Pena to a sore neck won’t last if he goes past the retro mark. A decision will be made Monday on what most are calling an annoying but minor issue for Pena.

ISAAC PAREDES, 3B TBR (bruised ribs)

It was a nasty collision on the bases that pushed Isaac Paredes from the game and cost the Rays mightily after umpires decided that the other party, Ty France, wasn’t out of the base path and out overall. Kevin Cash wasn’t happy, but with Tyler Walls forced into action, the worry about Paredes missing time and exposing Walls, who missed time earlier in the week with back spasms, once again puts the Rays in a very thin position. Early word is “left rib discomfort” which makes sense when you see the video of the collision.

MASATAKA YOSHIDA, OF/DH BOS (bruised shin)
TREVOR STORY, IF BOS (sprained elbow/rehab)

I’m not sure if it’s a record to be hit in the leg by a 102 mph fastball, but I’m certain it would be painful, especially in an unpadded and bony area. (Not nice, Nate Pearson.) That’s proved out by Masataka Yoshida needing a couple days to get over it. I’m told it’s a “nasty and colorful” bruise he has just below the knee and that they’ll re-check the x-rays early in the week if it remains painful. The IL is a possibility, but the Red Sox hope Yoshida’s great rookie season isn’t derailed by something random like this.

Don’t forget Trevor Story is very close and could DH now, if the Red Sox so choose. He’s still not ready to throw in a game, but batting is essentially a done deal. None of my sources would give a timeline, but it’s clearly been accelerating and with the ASB coming up, it would offer a chance for him to get some at-bats on a rehab assignment.

JI HWAN BAE, 2B PIT (sprained ankle)

A speed player and an ankle injury isn’t a good combo. That’s what Ji Hwan Bae is, and has, and he’ll head to the IL. The Pirates haven’t given specifics on the injury, but Bae was already having a tough June, with his steals the key to his value. Tucupita Marcano will get most of the action at second now, but he’s similarly been slumping. Assuming this isn’t something more complex than a sprain, Bae’s speed will likely get him back in the lineup and on the paths once it’s cleared.

JAKE WOODFORD, RP STL (strained shoulder)

Jake Woodford got torched by the Astros over the weekend and immediately went to the IL with a shoulder strain. While I couldn’t confirm what was strained, the assumption is this was something acute. Woodford’s real value is in his versatility and ability to both start and relieve, taking innings for a rotation that’s been inconsistent all season. I’ll have more once I get full details on the nature of the injury.

BRENDAN DONOVAN, 2B STL (strained arm)

Brendan Donovan is dealing with an arm issue. Weather helped him miss less games, but after sitting out a Sunday doubleheader, he came back Sunday with a big homer. The arm issue appears to be causing him problems throwing, but he’s hitting almost identically to last year’s solid rookie campaign. He’s still better against righties, but watch to see if the team uses platoons to buy the arm some rest. The ASB should help some, but this looks to be a management issue for him. Again, I’m still trying to get info on the exact nature of the injury.

KE’BRYAN HAYES, 3B PIT (inflamed back)
ONEIL CRUZ, SS PIT (fractured fibula)

Ke’Bryan Hayes hits the IL as the Pirates medical staff works to get his back spasms under control. He’s had the issue before and the team wants to get ahead of this, so they’re willing to take the 10-day hit. Jared Triolo gets a look, though he’s unlikely to stick beyond Hayes’ expected minimum stay. While he was a high pick, he’s stuck behind both Hayes and Cruz, and has a weird hit tool - high OBP, high K rate.

Remember Oneil Cruz? His return from the broken fibula is ahead of schedule. He’s throwing and could begin running soon. Bones heal, but the Pirates will be cautious with him, even with the full healing.

JOSE URQUIDY, SP HOU (inflamed shoulder)
FRAMBER VALDEZ, SP HOU (sprained ankle)

The Astros haven’t really been themselves in the first half and the injuries and performances of their starters have been a big part of that. Jose Urquidy could tighten things up, if he can get back. He made a 30-pitch bullpen, but I’m told that he’s still requiring a lot of maintenance on the shoulder and that there’s worries that the shoulder issues will recur. He could still start a rehab assignment shortly, likely at Sugar Land so he can stay close to the medical staff.

There aren’t nearly the worries for Framber Valdez, the clear ace of the staff now. His 7-6 record is deceiving, but he won’t tempt 500 this week and possibly not into the ASB. It’s a simple sprained ankle for Valdez, who rolled it in a start on June 20th, but it hasn’t gotten better as expected. Shawn Dubin took the start and went four, functionally an opener. We’ll see what the Astros do with their very short-handed rotation next time through.

ANDREW PAINTER, SP PHI (sprained elbow)

Full credit to the Phillies medical staff. The minor sprain for a young stud pitcher like Andrew Painter, especially one that throws as hard as he does, often ends in tragedy. Painter’s done well, so well that a rehab assignment is on tap with a possible return to the rotation in later July. Painter hasn’t had much time at upper levels so don’t be surprised to see this start high - Double or Triple-A - to see how he competes as well as if he’s healthy.

KEVIN KIERMAIER, OF TOR (back spasms)

Kevin Kiermaier missed four games with back spasms, but returned over the weekend. It’s an ongoing issue for him and playing on turf more than half the time isn’t helping. One FOT I spoke with last week wondered aloud if Kiermaier might be better off being a “veteran presence” and defensive specialist on a team with real grass, suggesting San Francisco as a landing spot. We’ll see, as Toronto does have outfield depth and needs if they want to hold on to their playoff contention.

ROYCE LEWIS, IF MIN (strained oblique)

Royce Lewis can do everything except stay healthy, it seems. I don’t know whether it’s good or bad when we see this kind of number of injuries, but different things. His oblique strain is in no way related to his ACL reconstruction, but it’s going to sideline him nonetheless. He’ll go to the IL, Jose Miranda steps in, and again, the ASB is likely going to make this go just a bit longer than it would appear.

RYAN PEPIOT, SP LAD (strained oblique)

It’s been a long time for what was said to be an oblique strain, but Ryan Pepiot has had more than one setback along the way. It used to be common to have setbacks with obliques, but new treatments and knowledge have made that rare, but when it does happen, it can be very problematic. Pepiot hasn’t made it far into throwing programs, but his latest attempt started about a week ago and has been going well, and longer than previous. After being off over three months, it’s going to take a longer time to ramp up. Think of it as being January for him, not spring training, and an August return is possible if things go well. The Dodgers could use the arm.

AROLDIS CHAPMAN, RP TEX (no injury)

Aroldis Chapman went to the Rangers in a deal that got extensive analysis from Joe Sheehan, who detailed the change in value between his Cubs deal and this one, and from Scott Lewis, who looked at the seemingly light return the Royals got. Cole Ragans is nice, but he’s age-25, out of options, and hasn’t established himself as a major leaguer. Chapman should be the closer, shifting Will Smith back, and with the mechanical changes made in KC, Chapman’s got some of his velocity back. Note that for the next reclamation project KC gives to Brian Sweeney, who was brought in to do just that after success in Cleveland.

This article, on a bowler who’s changed the game, fascinates me. There are so few of these - the Fosbury flop, the slam dunk, the forward pass. I’ve always wondered if there was a better way to pitch … I had a dream last week that Elizabeth Fraser had hidden a child she had with Jeff Buckley. The now-late 20s child was on The Voice, having never sung publicly before. Just imagine … Please think about dogs when you set off fireworks. I’ll admit, I don’t get the thill of setting off thousands of dollars of the things. When I was a kid, those illegal M-80s we’d buy at roadside stands were a thrill, but they didn’t go off for hours and hours and days and days the way it does now … Baseball celebrates the 4th by playing baseball. Will the pitch clock make games end before darkness, throwing off fireworks shows? See you on Wednesday.