As the MLB season approaches 65 games, injuries are beginning to pile up. However, at the same time, some players are returning. One thing that is for sure is that injuries are commonly the biggest killer of baseball teams, and sometimes the savior (injury returns can be excellent for teams).
Injury News Around Major League Baseball
Bryce Harper On the IL as Phil’s Struggle, Corbin Burnes to Undergo Tommy John
As the Philadelphia Phillies closed out May, they looked like the team to beat. However, after some time, the Phils have dramatically cooled down. With a 5-game losing streak now active, the Phillies have managed to fall 4.5 games behind the Mets. More bad things came for the Phillies, though, as Bryce Harper is set to miss some time with wrist inflammation.
The good thing is that this shouldn’t last long. However, at the same time, it is a horrible thing for a team that has been struggling to stay afloat lately. However, who got the worst news? The Arizona Diamondbacks’ biggest signing in their history (in terms of money), Corbin Burnes, is going to be out for the season. The former Cy Young award winner had a 2.66 ERA as the D-Backs were already struggling. Unfortunately, what this means for the D-Backs is their dreams of a playoff race could be ruined (probably not, but you never know).
Cedric Mullins and Hye-Seong Kim are Set to Return Soon
Cedric Mullins, who had been having a great season so far, is set to return soon. Even though the Baltimore Orioles are still quite far from being contenders, the O’s know that Mullins is possibly the biggest trade chip for them. If the Orioles can keep Mullins healthy, a good trade is very possible. As for the Tampa Bay Rays, just before the Rays are set to go up against the Boston Red Sox and then into Death Valley (AKA Flushing), Ha-Seong Kim is progressing nicely.
For Tampa Bay, Kim has the team’s most significant addition during the offseason and could return this week. Kim did have a down year in 2024 but remained the best Shortstop in free agency available. With the Rays being 35-30 and on a hot steak, this is great news. The Rays’ hope for another playoff run is very realistic at the moment.
With Frankie Montas Back Soon, Mets With a Chance to Shut the Door in the NL East
There is no such thing as defeating other teams in the NL East in just 80 games. However, as the Mets have caught fire lately (thanks to the Colorado Rockies), they have taken off in the NL East, surpassing the Atlanta Braves and even the Phillies. The Mets already have five outstanding pitchers in the rotation, and Frankie Montas can provide massive depth. If the whole rotation went down now, the Mets could probably replace the rotation pretty easily.
Literally, in a few weeks, the Mets will have nine potential starting pitchers (Don’t forget Jose Butto and Paul Blackburn). First, there is no way the Washington Nationals can catch up, meanwhile, the Braves remain 14 games behind. As for the Phillies, the Mets can take advantage of their recent poor play to gain a comfortable lead in the NL East.
For the moment, many teams are being destroyed by injury. From the 2024 Braves to all the other teams that have suffered from injury this season, there is no doubt that injury is one the biggest role players when it comes to baseball. With some players returning and others hitting the IL, how will this effect the 2025 season?
Main Image: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
