Sean Manaea, SP, A’s: shoulder impingement
The A’s are forced to shut Manaea down indefinitely after an MRI showed rotator cuff inflammation in his pitching shoulder. With a month left in the regular season, it’s very realistic that his season is over. Manaea posted a solid 12-9 record with a 3.59 ERA in 2018. It’s also worth noting that his velocity was down a bit this season, and he finally landed on the DL after being removed following just 67 pitches in his last start. Inside Injuries is showing a 6 week Optimal Recovery Time, so his Injury Risk would remain incredibly High if he tried to return anytime in September.
Brett Anderson, SP, A’s: forearm strain
Not only did the A’s lost Manaea from their starting rotation this week, but Brett Anderson has also been placed on the DL with a forearm strain. He was awful in his last start, allowing 5 runs in just 2 2/3 innings. If it’s a mild strain, Anderson needs two weeks to heal, then he can ramp up his throwing in hopes of returning to the rotation before the season ends. But a moderate or severe strain would likely end his season. Anderson also landed on the DL earlier in the year with a left shoulder strain. His Injury Risk has moved from Elevated to High Risk at 36%. Now every member of the A’s starting rotation has landed on the DL at some point this season.
Josh Harrison, 2B, Pirates: hamstring strain
Josh Harrison just can’t shake this hamstring injury. It started back in mid July and has lingered ever since. He needs to land on the DL so it can fully heal, but for now he is expected to try to play through it knowing it will bother him the rest of the season. Harrison is at a very High Injury Risk (61%). That could mean causing a more severe hamstring strain or suffering another injury as he overcompensates. Either way it isn’t good. This isn’t a smart decision by the Pirates.
Buster Posey, C, Giants: hip surgery
Posey underwent right hip surgery on Monday to address a lingering issue. He knew he would eventually need the procedure, but he was trying to put it off until the season was over. With the Giants all but eliminated from the playoffs, they decided to go ahead and shut him down. During surgery his labrum was repaired and the joint was cleaned up. Posey now faces a 6-8 month recovery, which is in line with our Optimal Recovery Time. Playing catcher doesn’t help either, so Inside Injuries expects him to have some lingering problems early next season even if he is cleared ahead of Opening Day.
Kelvin Herrera, RP, Nationals: torn Lisfranc ligament
Herrera’s season is likely over after suffering a torn Lisfranc ligament in his left foot. The Nats have had horrible luck with their closers, and now Herrera is out along with Sean Doolittle (foot). The team hasn’t given a timetable for his return, but Inside Injuries is showing a seven week Optimal Recovery Time. So unless the Nationals somehow made the playoffs, it’s unrealistic to expect him back at any point.
Mallex Smith, OF, Rays: infection
Smith ended up on the DL and in the hospital over the weekend when he came down with a viral infection. He has since been released and is feeling much better. The Rays could activate him soon after the minimum ten days are up.
Marco Gonzales, SP, Mariners: neck strain
Gonzales landed on the DL last week with a cervical next strain that has been lingering for awhile. While his timetable remains unclear, Inside Injuries is showing a two week Optimal Recovery Time. That’s for the neck to heal. Then he could need additional time after that to ramp up his throwing and return to the rotation. Right now his Injury Risk is Elevated, but it didn’t increase too much when he landed on the DL. If he takes two weeks off this won’t be a long-term concern, but if he returns too soon it could be.
Charlie Morton, SP, Astros: right shoulder discomfort
The Astros placed Morton on the DL Wednesday with discomfort in his throwing shoulder. He is expected to return in around 10 days, but Inside Injuries is showing a longer three week Optimal Recovery Time. His Injury Risk is Elevated and would remain that way if he makes a start during their September 7-9 series against the Red Sox, as expected. His Health Performance Factor is also 47%, which falls into the “Below Average” category. That’s a sign that his shoulder will prevent him from pitching his best if he returns in the next few weeks.
Andrew Miller, RP, Indians: external impingement in left shoulder
Once again Andrew Miller is on the DL, but this time it’s his shoulder, not his knee. The official diagnosis is external impingement of the left shoulder. He just received a cortisone shot and will be shut down from throwing for a few days. Miller’s Injury Risk was already High, but now it has jumped from 26% to 41%, a very concerning level. He isn’t someone that can be relied at any point this season, even if he makes a comeback in mid-September.
Albert Pujols, DH, Angels: knee surgery
Albert Pujols underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left knee this week, likely ending his season. Pujols underwent surgery on the same knee back in 2012 and had knee problems last season and multiple times throughout the 2018 season. Inside Injuries is showing an Optimal Recovery Time of 8 weeks, so it makes sense that he won’t be able to return. He should be fully recovered and ready to go by Spring Training.
Follow Virginia @VZakas and Inside Injuries.
