MLB Injury Report: Cease Out Two Weeks, Ragans Faces Setback, Webb Set to Return

This week’s MLB Injury Report brings a mix of unfortunate and hopeful news as teams navigate the challenges of player health. The Toronto Blue Jays will be without Dylan Cease for at least two weeks due to a hamstring strain, while Cole Ragans faces another hurdle in his recovery process after experiencing discomfort during a rehab outing. On a brighter note, Logan Webb is on track to make his return this weekend.

Cease’s outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates was abruptly cut short when he exited in the fifth inning, grappling with left hamstring discomfort. The team promptly placed him on the 15-day injured list on Monday, confirming the left hamstring strain that will sideline him for a minimum of two weeks. While no definitive timeline is available, the hope remains that he will be ready to return when first eligible in early June.

Ragans, who made a rehab start for Triple-A Omaha, showed promise by allowing just one run over 4 1/3 innings but did not respond well post-game. Manager Matt Quatraro revealed that Ragans is experiencing the same elbow discomfort that previously landed him on the injured list, leading to a temporary shutdown from throwing. Although this news isn’t ideal, further evaluation is expected by the end of the week.

In more encouraging developments, Brown demonstrated significant progress by successfully completing a rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi, where he struck out five batters in two scoreless innings, hitting 98 mph on the radar gun. The 27-year-old right-hander will continue his rehab with Triple-A Sugar Land, and barring any setbacks, he is projected to return in early to mid-June.

Meanwhile, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was removed from Friday’s game against the Rockies due to left hamstring tightness and has since been placed on the 10-day injured list. The team hopes that the extra time will allow him to recover fully, with manager Torey Lovullo optimistic about his return after the minimum stay. Gurriel is currently batting .228 with one home run and 11 RBIs across 102 plate appearances. To fill the gap, Tommy Troy has been recalled from Triple-A Reno, where he had an impressive .846 OPS with three homers and six steals.

Max Muncy also finds himself on the sidelines after being hit by a pitch on the right wrist during Friday’s game against the Brewers. Fortunately, X-rays revealed no fractures, and while he has missed the last three games, he is expected to return to action by Wednesday against the Rockies.

On the Rangers’ front, Wyatt Langford has been cleared to resume hitting and participated in batting practice prior to the game against the Astros. He is expected to take live at-bats on Friday and may begin a minor league rehab assignment over the weekend. Langford expressed optimism regarding his recovery, indicating he feels better now than during his previous ramp-up phase, aiming for a return to the lineup at the start of June.

Braves’ pitcher Bryce Schwellenbach has finally received the green light to initiate a throwing progression following surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow. He will start with throws from flat ground before advancing to bullpen sessions. The 25-year-old right-hander is anticipated to be a potential option for the Braves’ rotation in the latter half of the season.

For the Red Sox, Garrett Crochet is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice after a successful couple of bullpen sessions. Assuming no setbacks, a minor league rehab start could follow before he reclaims his spot in the rotation. Crochet has been sidelined since April 29 due to left shoulder inflammation.

Logan Webb, absent since May 6 with right knee bursitis, made a strong rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Manager Tony Vitello is hopeful that Webb could return to the Giants’ rotation against the Rockies this weekend, which would likely shift Trevor McDonald out of the lineup.

Shane Bieber has missed the entire season thus far due to elbow inflammation, but he recently made his first rehab start in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League, striking out three in two scoreless innings. He will need additional rehab outings over the next few weeks before being ready to join the Blue Jays’ rotation.

In a positive twist for the Mets, catcher Francisco Alvarez, who underwent surgery for a torn meniscus, is ahead of schedule in his recovery and has already resumed hitting. Manager Carlos Mendoza is optimistic that Alvarez could return before the end of June. Additionally, shortstop Francisco Lindor has started a running program and resumed baseball activities after a month-long absence due to a left calf strain, though he will likely require a rehab assignment before returning to game action.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.