Injury Updates Across the League
Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers is making progress in his recovery from right UCL repair surgery. He recently threw 45 pitches in a bullpen session, simulating three innings. DeGrom is expected to face hitters soon, which is a positive sign for the Rangers. Meanwhile, Max Scherzer, also with the Rangers, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder fatigue. Scherzer was removed from his last start after throwing 68 pitches. Another Ranger, Tyler Mahle, is recovering from right UCL repair surgery and is slated to make his debut for the team on Tuesday.
The Tampa Bay Rays have had their share of injury concerns as well. Yandy Díaz exited Sunday’s game with a left wrist contusion after being hit by a ball. X-rays were negative, and he is considered day-to-day. Ryan Pepiot is recovering from a right knee infection and threw again on Friday. He is scheduled for a three-inning simulated game next. Drew Rasmussen is close to joining the big league bullpen as a versatile reliever, recovering from a right flexor strain.
Dodgers’ Injury Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with several injuries. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is recovering from right triceps tightness and recently had a successful bullpen session. He is scheduled to throw again on Tuesday. Mookie Betts is recovering from a left hand fracture and will participate in a simulated game with an activation goal around August 12-13. Tommy Edman is recovering from right wrist surgery and a sprained ankle. He will also participate in a simulated game before going on a rehab assignment. Michael Grove is dealing with a right intercostal strain and could return during the next homestand starting Monday. Max Muncy is showing progress from a right oblique strain but is not yet ready for game action.
Phillies and Braves Injury Reports
Ranger Suárez of the Philadelphia Phillies is dealing with lower back soreness. He will throw a bullpen session on Monday and is likely to return during the next homestand from August 13-18 rather than earlier in the Arizona series from August 8-11. Reynaldo López of the Atlanta Braves has been placed on the injured list for at least fifteen days due to right forearm tightness leading to elbow inflammation.
Astros’ Injury Concerns
The Houston Astros have several players dealing with injuries. Lance McCullers Jr. is out for the season following June surgery to repair a flexor tendon and remove a bone spur. Justin Verlander is dealing with neck stiffness and recently threw two simulated innings facing batters. He is expected to begin a Minor League rehab assignment this weekend. Luis Garcia is recovering from Tommy John surgery and had a minor setback with a sore elbow, but no structural damage was found.
Trade Deadline Recap
The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline saw significant moves. The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Jack Flaherty and Amed Rosario. They were also involved in a three-team trade that landed them Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech. The San Diego Padres traded for closer Tanner Scott and reliever Jason Adam. The New York Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. and outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.. The Seattle Mariners added veteran hitter Justin Turner, reliever Yimi Garcia, and outfielder Randy Arozarena. The Houston Astros bolstered their rotation with Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Notable Trades and Acquisitions
The Chicago Cubs acquired Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson. The Cleveland Guardians finalized a deal for outfielder Lane Thomas from the Washington Nationals. The Milwaukee Brewers acquired starter Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. The Boston Red Sox acquired reliever Luis García from the Los Angeles Angels just before the deadline.
Veteran Dodgers Outfielder to Retire
Kevin Kiermaier announced his retirement after the 2024 MLB season. Kiermaier, who began his MLB career in 2013, made the announcement to the Tampa Bay Times last week. He stated, “This is it, 2024 is it for me. This will be my last year playing.” Kiermaier was with the Toronto Blue Jays but was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers just before the trade deadline. Known for his defensive prowess, Kiermaier has won four Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove. Despite his offensive numbers dipping this year, he still plays above-average defense in center field.
MLB Power Rankings
The latest MLB Power Rankings saw some significant changes. The Chicago White Sox are at the bottom, ranked 30th with a record of 27-84. The Miami Marlins dropped to 29th with a record of 40-69. The Colorado Rockies moved up to 28th with a record of 40-70. The Los Angeles Angels are ranked 27th with a record of 47-62, and the Oakland Athletics are 26th with a record of 45-65.
In the middle tier, the Toronto Blue Jays are ranked 25th with a record of 50-59. The Washington Nationals are 24th with a record of 49-60. The Detroit Tigers dropped to 23rd with a record of 52-58. The Texas Rangers are 22nd with a record of 52-57.
Top Contenders and Playoff Hopefuls
The Seattle Mariners are ranked 15th and have made moves to improve their offense. The New York Mets are 14th, just half a game out of a Wild Card spot. The Arizona Diamondbacks are 13th and trending positively with recent wins. The Houston Astros are 12th, leading their division narrowly over Seattle. The Boston Red Sox are 11th, just two games outside a Wild Card spot.
At the top, the San Diego Padres are surging with bullpen additions. The Atlanta Braves are likely playoff-bound despite injuries. The Minnesota Twins are currently in the playoffs if they started today. The Milwaukee Brewers are competitive but lucky that no Central division foes have been consistent.
The New York Yankees are on a five-game win streak, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as having a better overall roster. The Baltimore Orioles had confusing trade deadline moves but remain strong offensively. The Cleveland Guardians now have the best record in baseball after winning four straight. The Philadelphia Phillies hold the top spot despite recent losses.
This past week in MLB has been eventful, with significant injuries, trades, and shifts in power rankings. As the season progresses, teams will continue to adapt and strategize for a strong finish.
