Sonny Gray left today’s start because of right hamstring tightness after facing just seven batters, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne (via Twitter). Gray is day-to-day, and they won’t move him to the injured list as of right now, per MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park (via Twitter). They should have a better idea tomorrow if they’re going to need to skip him in the rotation. Josh Winder pitched well in relief, and he could be an option for a spot start or two if Gray can’t go. With a six-man rotation, however, the Twins could also make do simply by skipping Gray’s spot. He’s not scheduled for another start until next Friday against the White Sox. In other Twins news…
- Right-hander Dereck Rodriguez has cleared waivers and been assigned to Triple-A St. Paul, per MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park (via Twitter). Rodriguez made one appearance, giving up three earned runs over four innings before being designated for assignment. He spent last season in Triple-A with the Rockies, but did not make it to the Show. He posted a 6.72 ERA over 85 2/3 innings for Albuquerque.
- Byron Buxton’s MRI came back clean, and like Gray, the Twins are leaning towards leaving him on the active roster as he heals, per The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. Buxton had his knee drained of fluid from inflammation, but with no structural damage, the hope is that Buxton can be back on the diamond in a couple of days. Buxton’s health is obviously a significant variable for the Twins this season, and they’ll want to be prudent before sending him back onto the grass.
This shortened spring training feels like it’s decimating players. Mize, Manning, and Degrom are just a few that made headlines today.
We heard this crap last year after the COVID 2020.
Tired of hearing it. The players are paid astronomical salaries (enough that even the rookies have their teeth capped to look good when they smile) – far more than people that have to go to work everyday and perform when they don’t feel well, are sick, have family issues, etc.
Playing baseball is their profession. They have access to the best medical information, trainers, and facilities in America to prepare. Tonight I watched Jason Verlander mow down the Mariners – last week he gave up 1 run in 5 innings against the Angels. The mans 39 years-old, rehabilitated himself from TJ surgery over 18 or so months by getting information from health professionals, and committing himself in his diet, lifestyle and exercise routine to get back into top shape.
You mention 3 players out of 900 that have already been on ML rosters this season. Get a grip.
Rare Samuel W
Shortened spring… lockout… and players didn’t want to workout/get ready during lockout due to no medical insurance since they were locked out.. but go on.
Where are you getting the players did not have health coverage? According to the guide distributed by the MLBPA back in Nov, 2021 that was going to be covered. There is no excuse for players, particularly on 40 man rosters to not be prepared due to a lack of activity or training.
“According to the guide, the Players’ Association will use funds from its reserves to pay for the continued coverage of health benefits for 40-man roster players “if a strike or lockout is ongoing when the 2022 season is scheduled to begin.”
At Samuel: while I’m all in favor of anything that improves labor and socioeconomic conditions for Everyday People, OP’s point about shortened spring training increasing injury rates is backed by academic research:
“ he shortened season last year presented its own unique issues for player health. Another study done by Platt et al. analyzing the effect of the delayed start to the 2020 season on injury rates concluded:
“There was a significant increase in injury incidence for both pitchers and fielders in 2020. Injury rates increased in anatomic zones of the upper extremity and spine/core but were not significantly changed in the lower extremity. The overall increase in injury rate suggests that irregular or insufficient sport-specific preparation prior to the start of the season placed athletes at a greater risk of injury when play resumed.”
It might be backed by academic research but it still doesn’t make it a valid excuse. There is nothing done in spring training outside of actual games the average MLB player could not replicate on his own. Cardio, strength training, nutrition, stretching, pitching, batting and simulated games are easily replicated with the resources the average MLB player has. The simulated games might be a little difficult during the pandemic. I would also imagine most of them have detailed recordings/video of their hitting and/or pitching even though they lacked access to team facilities.
The issue to me was going after OP like they were making a ridiculous, baseless assertion.
Otter: Jason?
Boon: Forget it, he’s rolling.
@Samuel I am also tired of hearing the same nonsense from all these player apologists. The real reason guys are getting hurt is simple they’re not really all that hurt. Let me put it another way, They’re soft. Many of these guys feel a little twinge or a tweak and they’re shutting it down. Buxton is the perfect example. He takes himself out of the game for zero reason. All the tests came back negative there’s literally nothing wrong with him yet he’s gonna miss at least a week. The Tigers just put Baez on the IL for a sore thumb. A SORE FREAKING THUMB!!! It’s sore not injured so why isn’t he out there playing? Soft. Players make tons more money and play much less now it’s sad and fans are out here justifying it. A guy hits the IL for a bruised finger and we got fans on here talking about prayers and speedy recoveries. How about more fans call it like it is?
The wheels falling off the Twins bandwagon.
But the were supposed to be contenders this year! That’s what the narrative was.
If they finish above last place in the ALC it’ll be because one of the other 4 teams had at least 4-5 of their best players suffer long-term injuries and/or awful seasons..
Byron Buxton hurt
In a related story water is wet
Dude can play but can’t stay on the field
Water isn’t wet. Water makes other things wet
If we define “wet” as a sensation that we get when a liquid comes in contact with us, then yes, water is wet to us. If we define “wet” as “made of liquid or moisture”, then water is definitely wet because it is made of liquid, and in this sense, all liquids are wet because they are all made of liquids.
*PLYMOUTH PARAKEETS
These players have to stop their secret Fight Clubs.
Brittle Byron …. Just retire already
WS bound with above average health but what are the chances.
Below average.
Can’t let them play. Might get hurt. Should hold out all season ⚾️
Hopefully little Pudge will have as much luck hitting bats at St Pail as he has the last couple of years in The Show.