Red Sox skipper John Farrell says that DH/first baseman Hanley Ramirez underwent an MRI on his left biceps, as Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe tweets. A diagnosis and anticipated course of treatment aren’t yet available, but Abraham suggests the team is anticipating some absence from the veteran. The 33-year-old Ramirez has fallen off at the plate this year, slashing just .238/.320/.423 over his 522 plate appearances, with a shoulder problem seemingly bothering him throughout. The club surely hoped for a turnaround for the long-time slugger, but now there’s increasing uncertainty with this new injury.
Here are some other notes on injuries and other considerations that could impact postseason rosters:
- Cubs righty Hector Rondon is in need of some rest but doesn’t have anything more than a sore elbow, Bruce Levine of 670thescore.com tweets. He’s expected to miss about a week after getting a cortisone shot. Rondon has scuffled a bit this year, working to a 4.50 ERA in his 54 frames, due in no small part to coughing up ten long balls. That said, Rondon has also managed 10.8 K/9 against 3.3 BB/9 and remains an important part of the Cubs pen down the stretch and (the team hopes) into the postseason.
- As the Nationals continue to consider their options for the postseason roster, young outfielder Victor Robles is receiving real consideration, manager Dusty Baker tells reporters including Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post (Twitter link). The 20-year-old was something of an unexpected call-up, but is off to a hot start … in just ten plate appearances. There’s a long way to go until the Nats will feel comfortable entrusting a significant role to him when the stakes are highest, but it’s interesting to see that there’s real internal consideration given the team’s rather lengthy list of possible bench pieces. One major factor, of course, will be whether Bryce Harper can make it back; recent indications are that the team is cautiously optimistic.
- There’s little more than an “outside” shot for Brewers outfielder Lewis Brinson to make it back to health in time to impact the current season, per GM David Stearns (via Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, on Twitter). He has been down with a hamstring strain. The 23-year-old struggled upon reaching the majors for the first time this year, but had put up a monster season at Triple-A — where he batted .331/.400/.562 across 340 plate appearances. Brinson will surely be a big part of Milwaukee’s plans next year even if he can’t make it back on the field in 2017.
Hello Bryce Brent?
Brentz isn’t on the 40 man roster.
Hanley’s covered already. They’ve got Moreland and Travis covering 1st, Pedi DHing right now to limit his ability to get hurt for the million time this year, Holt covering Pedi on 2nd, and are waiting for Nunez to get back who will most likely bump Holt out. Bryce is likely done with the Sox after this year. Just like Swihart.
When you say covered, do you mean there’s someone else on the team ready to step into his spot and hit solo homers, strand runners, and stand at the plate watching balls die on the warning track? That kind of covered?
Oh wait, you’re right.. They have Moreland who can do the same thing.
After tonight, Sox lead will drop to 2 games. Here we go.
You’re right. We need to upgrade that first base position but it’s tough with hanley’s contract.
The guy running the show is such an important role…. I’m glad they got rid of big bad Ben.
Sam Travis might be something though.
And…., how are the Sox going to be 2 games up and in FIRST PLACE when they keep winning enough to stay 3 games up ???
But, I just looked at how the season closes out. Tough for the Sox, and I think the Yanks have an easier schedule.
It’s not gonna be easy…..
Brentz is not a major league player. AAA allstar.
Why rush Brinson back? Makes no sense.
Agreed
Why won’t they try Brentz?!?! What’s the worst that could happen? They can figure out the 40 man. He’s earned it. Over 30 Home runs on a team that no one has hit over 23. Why do the fans want this but the FO won’t? Worst case he looks like Hanley, best case, lightning in a bottle.
Brentz is not a major league player. Absolutely zero success in many chances and call ups.
30 hr’s this year AAA. I think like 1 major league home run ever, and he’s like 29.
If they weren’t competing right now, they would, however at this point Its all but a guarantee he goes overseas this offseason. I’ve heard he’s drawn interest and he’s exactly the type of player they look for,
Maybe next year they can release Hanley like they did Sandoval
Shoulder problems are a killer for position players as much as for pitchers.