Every week Inside Injuries is here to break down the biggest injuries of the week. Our week 4 MLB injuries list is headlined by Eric Thames, who is battling a thumb injury, and Adrian Beltre, who once again is sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Eric Thames 1B, Brewers: torn UCL in left thumb
Thames exited Tuesday night’s win over the Royals early after jamming his hand into the ground while fielding a ground ball. An MRI showed a torn UCL in his left thumb. The Brewers have placed Thames on the 10-day DL, but this could turn into an extended absence. The Inside Injuries algorithm is calculating a five week Optimal Recovery Time. Once Thames returns, his power production will be significantly lower than it was pre-injury.
Adrian Beltre 3B, Rangers: left hamstring strain
Adrian Beltre has always had problems staying healthy, so it was no surprise to hear he is dealing with a hamstring 
strain. He missed 68 games last year due to various injuries, with a left hamstring strain being the most severe followed by a calf strain. The Rangers put him on the 10-day DL, but we think it’s going to be at least two weeks until he’s healthy enough to return.
Kris Bryant 3B, Cubs: head injury
Kris Bryant was evaluated for a concussion after being hit in the head with a pitch. He looked unbalanced after taking a shot to the head and needed assistance getting back to the clubhouse. Bryant passed initial concussion tests, but he’s meeting with team physicians to be cleared for a return. The earliest he could be back in the lineup is Thursday, but he will remain an Elevated Injury Risk.
Andrew Miller RP, Indians: left hamstring tightness
Wednesday’s game ended short for Indians pitcher Andrew Miller. He threw just two pitches before he started experiencing tightness in his left hamstring and was pulled from the game. He’s expected to undergo an MRI, after which will have more information regarding his return. Cleveland management has suggested that it’s not a serious injury, and it’s also important to note that Miller dealt with a similar issue a few years ago. The Inside Injuries algorithm is calculating a 1-2 week Optimal Recovery Time, but that could become even longer if the MRI shows a strain.
Tommy Pham OF, Cardinals: head laceration
Tommy Pham cut open his forehead while taking warm ups swings with a resistance band. Luckily, the cut did not require stitches and Pham has cleared the MLB’s concussion protocol. He should be fine to plug into lineups, but his Injury Risk does remain slightly increased due to his recent groin strain.
Asdrubal Cabrera 2B, Mets: hamstring strain
Cabrera was out of the lineup on Wednesday dealing with a minor hamstring injury. It’s something Cabrera has been dealing with for a while, and Wednesday’s absence was just to give him rest. The Mets are expecting him to be back in the lineup ASAP, but he’ll be a High Injury Risk. Cabrera has a long injury history that includes hamstring injuries, so this could be a recurring problem. Our algorithm is showing that he needs two weeks off for it to fully heal.
Byron Buxton OF, Twins: migraines and toe contusion
Byron Buxton was starting his minor league rehab program on Sunday after being out with migraines when he fouled a ball of his left foot. Initial X-rays came back negative, but he still needed a hole drilled into his toe to relieve pressure. It’s worth noting that Anthony Rendon had a similar procedure done last week when he fouled a ball off his toe, and the Nationals placed him on the 10-day DL. Buxton won’t be healthy enough to return to action for at least another two weeks, and his migraines will continue to be a concern that could pop up at any moment.
Jake Lamb 3B, Diamondbacks: elbow tendinitis & AC sprain
Jake Lamb had finally started making some progress in his recovery from an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, but he was shut down this week after experiencing tendinitis in his right elbow. Lamb was still a week or so away from a return, and the elbow tendinitis will set him back an additional two weeks according to the Inside Injuries algorithm. He won’t be healthy enough to return until mid-May. New injuries like this are common as players tend to overcompensate. Lamb may have placed too much stress on his right arm trying to generate power instead of getting his whole body behind his throws.
Check out our injury analysis and fantasy advice on every player in Major League Baseball!
And, follow Virginia @VZakas and Inside Injuries.
