MLB Injury Report: Langeliers Out for Season, Soto’s Calf Issue Returns

This week’s Injury Report brings significant updates from across Major League Baseball, including the unfortunate news that Shea Langeliers will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. The Oakland Athletics catcher was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, an injury sustained while running the bases during a game against the Twins. Langeliers has opted for surgery, effectively ending his season. At just 28 years old, he has been a standout behind the plate, boasting a .263/.332/.497 batting line with 23 home runs and 51 RBIs over 416 plate appearances. His absence will be felt deeply by both the A’s and fantasy managers alike.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto is facing another setback as he deals with left calf soreness that forced him out of Friday’s game against the Dodgers. After being diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf strain, the star outfielder has been placed on the 10-day injured list and is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks. Given his previous issues with this injury earlier in the season, fantasy managers may have to brace for a return that could extend into late August or early September.

Though Shohei Ohtani remains in the lineup as the everyday leadoff man and designated hitter, he has been unable to pitch since July 3 due to an ailing left knee. After a 31-pitch bullpen session last Wednesday, he reported feeling less than 100 percent, prompting the Dodgers to hold back on his next session. Manager Dave Roberts has expressed optimism that Ohtani will pitch again this season, but the team is likely to prioritize his health and not rush him back until the playoffs.

In other injury news, Spencer Steer exited Sunday’s game against the Cardinals in the fifth inning after appearing to injure his wrist while fouling off a pitch. Reports indicate he will miss “significant time” and is heading to the injured list. Cody Bellinger, who hobbled out a double against the Phillies, has also been placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. He is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks.

On a more positive note, Kyle Harrison, who has been sidelined since July 11 with forearm tightness, is set to make a rehab start with High-A Wisconsin this week. He aims to pitch 5-6 innings and could rejoin the Brewers’ rotation as early as next week against the Pirates.

The Red Sox made a surprising move by trading left-hander Brandon Early to the Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead. Early has been on the injured list since July 1 due to left elbow inflammation and is expected to begin his rehab assignment with the Nationals shortly.

Injuries continue to plague the league, as infielder Casey Schmitt left Monday’s game against the Brewers with a left knee issue and is set to undergo an MRI. The team anticipates placing him on the injured list as they await results. Meanwhile, Matt Carpenter has been placed on the 10-day injured list with left foot plantar fasciitis, a recurring issue that has hindered his performance this season.

In the Cubs’ bullpen, right-hander Jeremiah Palencia is making strides in his recovery from right elbow inflammation and could return to action in mid-August. Additionally, Rangers shortstop Corey Seager is ramping up his activity after being sidelined since July 1 with lower back inflammation and might begin a minor league rehab assignment soon.

As the Dodgers continue to navigate injuries, they anticipate reinforcements soon. Both Yency Almonte and Blake Snell are recovering from elbow surgeries and are set to rejoin the team shortly, providing a much-needed boost to the pitching staff during a crucial stretch in the season.

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