It all comes down to this. In a year where more than 37,000 games have been lost to injury or illness for players, the MLB season enters its final week of the regular season. The Phillies rank as the healthiest team of the year, while Astros and Dodgers players missed the most amount of time due to injury. Best of luck to fantasy managers who successfully navigated through their team's various aches and pains, and remain in contention for championship glory.
Brandon Woodruff and Jose Quintana
While the team celebrated its third straight NL Central title over the weekend, the Brewers lost two key members of their starting rotation in the process. Quintana was placed on the injured list early last week with a left calf strain, ending his regular season. The strain is reportedly mild, and he will remain eligible for postseason play. Despite the injury, Quintana has been able to continue throwing, making a possible return a bit easier. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for teammate Brandon Woodruff who was also placed on the IL with a strained right latissimus dorsi.
The lat is a vital part of pitching, influencing an assortment of motions including extension, adduction and rotation. Additionally, the lat's layout allows it to assist in back movements like side-bending and extension as well as movement of the shoulder blade. Given its versatility, pitchers who suffer lat strains often miss substantial time. As a result, Woodruff is likely facing a multiweek absence with what is
It all comes down to this. In a year where more than 37,000 games have been lost to injury or illness for players, the MLB season enters its final week of the regular season. The Phillies rank as the healthiest team of the year, while Astros and Dodgers players missed the most amount of time due to injury. Best of luck to fantasy managers who successfully navigated through their team's various aches and pains, and remain in contention for championship glory.
Brandon Woodruff and Jose Quintana
While the team celebrated its third straight NL Central title over the weekend, the Brewers lost two key members of their starting rotation in the process. Quintana was placed on the injured list early last week with a left calf strain, ending his regular season. The strain is reportedly mild, and he will remain eligible for postseason play. Despite the injury, Quintana has been able to continue throwing, making a possible return a bit easier. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for teammate Brandon Woodruff who was also placed on the IL with a strained right latissimus dorsi.
The lat is a vital part of pitching, influencing an assortment of motions including extension, adduction and rotation. Additionally, the lat's layout allows it to assist in back movements like side-bending and extension as well as movement of the shoulder blade. Given its versatility, pitchers who suffer lat strains often miss substantial time. As a result, Woodruff is likely facing a multiweek absence with what is being a called a "moderate" strain. Woodruff's injury history, one that includes a 2023 shoulder surgery, will influence his recovery timeline and how Milwaukee approaches his rehab. The timing is unfortunate for the Brewers' championship aspirations and could alter Woodruff's offseason. Robert Gasser was recalled and started Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, finishing with two strikeouts and two earned runs over three innings of work.
Marcus Semien and Corey Seager
The Rangers middle infielders remain sidelined with injuries, and Texas' inability to keep pace in the wild card race may have derailed any chances of a late-season return. Semien has not played in more than a month after suffering a foot fracture and Lisfranc sprain in late August. He has been taking live BP and resumed running. Seager, out since undergoing an appendectomy, only recently began swinging a bat. Manager Bruce Bochy admitted Texas' place in the standings will influence any decisions regarding possible returns for his former All-Stars, as the team prioritizes their long-term health. Neither issue should be long-term concerns, and both players should be able to have relatively normal offseasons.
Check Swings
CJ Abrams: Abrams did not play Sunday after suffering a shoulder injury on Saturday. The issue is being described as a "jammed" shoulder, a description that provides little insight. It is likely Abrams is dealing with a soft tissue contusion or a mild sprain based on how the injury occurred and not the vague explanation. Abrams was reportedly available to pinch hit if needed, further suggesting the injury is mild. Look for him to be back in the lineup quickly.
Yordan Alvarez: The hard-hitting outfielder is improving as he works his way back from a left ankle sprain but is not expected to return to regular-season action. The ankle is still swollen, and Alvarez is unable to fully participate in baseball-related activities. It has been a disappointing regular season for Alvarez who will finish the year with just 48 games played as the ankle injury and a midseason hand fracture kept him off the field.
William Contreras: Milwaukee pitchers aren't the only Brewers nursing injuries, as the team's starting catcher did not play Sunday due to a bruised hand. The injury occurred when Contreras was struck on the left hand by a swing from Ivan Herrera. While X-rays on the area were negative, keep in mind Contreras has been playing through a fractured middle finger on the same hand for the majority of the season. Catching more than 100 games with an injured glove hand is an impressive feat, but playing through two ailments and risking further injury isn't the best approach, especially with the playoffs on the horizon. Look for Milwaukee to handle his workload conservatively over the next few days, allowing Danny Jansen to see extra playing time.
Adolis Garcia: The Rangers outfielder is trying to play through the lingering effects of a Grade 2 quadriceps strain. However, it is clear the injury is limiting him, and the team opted to hold him out of the lineup in both weekend contests. A Grade 2 strain is also known as a partial or incomplete tear and often results in multiweek absences with a gradual buildup of activity. Garcia's return came in just 13 days, and his struggles since returning further suggest he is less than 100 percent. He is 1-for-18 since being activated, with four strikeouts. Don't be surprised if Texas opts to hold him out for the remainder of the year.
Roki Sasaki: The rookie pitcher is expected to rejoin the team this week after missing more than four months with shoulder impingement. The process was slowed by a mild calf strain, but Sasaki was able to complete an extended rehab stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City. His work in OKC saw him shift from a starter to relief work, and it is believed that he will continue to come out of the bullpen when he rejoins the Dodgers. Los Angeles will continue to manage his workload, meaning a possible return won't happen until Wednesday at the earliest.
Kyle Tucker: The Cubs outfielder has seen his progress in recovery stall, and he is now seeking additional treatment options for his strained calf. He has not resumed running and seems unlikely to return for the foreseeable future. Anyone hoping for a late-season return for Tucker can seemingly move on.
Trea Turner: The Phillies medical staff can further bolster its case for best training staff of the season if Turner is able to return by the end of the week. Out since suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain on September 7, the speedy shortstop is expected to face minor league pitchers early this week, setting the stage for a possible regular-season return. The team will continue to make playoff availability a precedence, but there's at least a chance Turner sees action in the week ahead.
Stay up to date on who is in and who is out with RotoWire's MLB Injury Report!
