Here’s the latest health updates on some key names from around baseball…
- Stephen Strasburg could “possibly” start for the Nationals on Wednesday, manager Dusty Baker told reporters, including Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post (Twitter link). Strasburg was placed on the DL with a sore right elbow on August 21, so he would have only missed slightly beyond the 15-day minimum should he indeed return on Wednesday. Baker said Strasburg threw well in a bullpen session today but the club will see how the star righty is feeling tomorrow before any decisions are made.
- Angels righty Matt Shoemaker was hit in the head with a line drive off the bat of Kyle Seager today. Shoemaker didn’t lose consciousness during the scary incident, and the Halos announced that he had suffered a laceration but was alert and responsive. A CT scan revealed that Shoemaker suffered a small skull fracture and a hematoma, and he’ll stay in hospital overnight and visit a neurologist (as per Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times).
- The struggling Pirates could get some reinforcements in the form of Jung Ho Kang and Gerrit Cole, skipper Clint Hurdle told reporters (including Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). Kang, who went on the DL with a left shoulder injury on August 20, could return to the active roster as early as Monday. Cole’s DL placement due to right elbow inflammation was retroactive to August 25, and the Pirates have him tentatively scheduled to start on September 12 against Philadelphia. Cole threw a 30-pitch bullpen session yesterday and has to get through two more side sessions scheduled for next week before the Bucs give him the green light to return.
- Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton exited today’s game with the Cardinals after suffering a left oblique strain during the third inning. The severity of the injury isn’t known, as while Reds manager Bryan Price told reporters (including Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer) that Hamilton will likely be out of action for a few games, oblique injuries generally take much longer to heal. Jose Peraza is the Reds’ top center field option while Hamilton recovers. It’s not out of the question that Hamilton will miss the rest of the season, which would bring a disappointing end to a campaign that saw Hamilton (.260/.321/.343) post career highs in batting average and OBP over 460 plate appearances, while stealing a league-leading 58 bases.
*Jose Peraza, is what I’m guessing you meant.
Jose Peraza, you mean? There’s no Reds player named Jose Perez
Yes, they mean Peraza.
The Hamilton injury didn’t look serious at all. I know oblique injuries can be tricky. But he only did it flinching on a pitch, it wasn’t even a check swing. He didn’t seem to be in a lot of discomfort. But the Reds should be extra cautious with nothing to play for.
prayers are with Matt shoemaker. Horrifying to watch that. The season of pitching injuries continues for the Angels
Ranger fan here, sending thoughts Shoemakers way. Scary stuff and I hope he is alright.
That was ugly hate to see that happen to anyone. Feel bad for Shoemaker and the family and Seager had to be tough on him. I know I would feel awful if I did something like that even though it was an accident.
The Reds have some internal options in case Hamilton is out for a while. SS/CF (and 2b/LF) Jose Peraza can certainly handle it, but most Reds fans would prefer to see him start at SS. Of course, playing time in CF is preferably to sitting him on the bench.
Top prospect LF/RF Jesse Winker has seemingly earned a September call-up, if they need a new everyday outfielder. Scott Schebler has been hitting well in RF, but played mostly CF in AAA, and can handle it sufficiently (obviously he’s not a particularly strong defensive CF like Hamilton, but it won’t be a nightmare either). That might be a pretty poor defensive outfield, but it would be a great opportunity for the Reds to see what their young players can do.
I’d like to see Peraza at SS, Schebler in CF, and Duvall and Winker on the corners if Hamilton can’t go.
Just imagine if any of this garbage actually mattered and the Reds’ system wasn’t a flaming pile of manure. Although I commend you for sticking with your ball club, the life of a Reds fan must be an absolutely miserable existence. Cheers!
The Reds actually have a pretty good farm system, it’s not amazing but I’d think it would be near the top 10 with all the pitching it has