MLB Injury Report: Max Meyer and Adley Rutschman Hit the IL Amid Recovery Updates

The injury landscape in Major League Baseball took a hit this week as the Miami Marlins placed breakout starter Max Meyer on the injured list due to a neck strain. The 27-year-old right-hander, who has emerged as the team’s ace this season, had an abbreviated outing against the Brewers, throwing 74 pitches over three innings. The extent and timeline for Meyer’s recovery remain uncertain, but he was approaching a career-high in innings pitched, having logged 111 innings this season between Triple-A and the majors, with an impressive 2.68 ERA and 121 strikeouts to his name.

In addition to Meyer, the Baltimore Orioles will be without Adley Rutschman, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation. Rutschman sat out a game against the Royals prior to his IL placement, and imaging is expected to reveal the severity of the injury. This marks the third time this season the 28-year-old catcher has been sidelined, limiting him to just 67 games in which he has managed to hit .251 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs across 284 plate appearances. To bolster their catching depth, the Orioles promoted Chadwick Tromp, as Samuel Basallo is also dealing with a shoulder issue.

On a more positive note, Kyle Harrison is showing signs of progress in his recovery from forearm inflammation. After undergoing an MRI that revealed no structural damage, Harrison participated in a bullpen session and reported no issues, raising hopes for his return as early as Friday when he first becomes eligible. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers received disheartening news regarding Brandon Woodruff, who will undergo right shoulder capsule surgery, effectively ending his season. This is particularly concerning given that Woodruff had a similar procedure last year, which kept him out for nearly a year and a half.

In New York, Aaron Judge has been moved to the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from a fractured right ribcage. Follow-up imaging indicated some healing progress, yet the 34-year-old slugger remains unable to resume baseball activities. He is currently limited to lower body workouts and neck exercises, with a return date still uncertain. Judge’s placement on the 60-day injured list means he won’t be eligible to return until early August, but September appears to be a more realistic timeline.

Boston’s Trevor Story is also on the mend after undergoing sports hernia surgery in late May. The 33-year-old shortstop has begun taking batting practice and is expected to ramp up his running progression soon, with hopes of beginning a minor league rehab assignment by early August. His return would provide a significant boost to a Red Sox team that is currently surging.

In Kansas City, Bobby Witt Jr. was held out of a recent game due to lower back tightness. He returned to the lineup but exited early after experiencing discomfort. Although he has avoided the injured list thus far, Witt has been dealing with recurring knee issues that have affected his performance. This season, he has posted solid numbers, slashing .280/.350/.451 with 13 homers and 30 steals, but fans will need to keep an eye on his situation as the days progress.

Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins are optimistic about the availability of infielder Luis Arraez, who sat out two games with discomfort in his right ring finger. Initial X-rays were negative, suggesting he may not be sidelined for long. Arraez is enjoying a breakout season, hitting .335 with 61 runs scored and 46 RBIs.

In other injury news, the Oakland Athletics’ Zack Gelof is set to have his stitches removed this week following a knee laceration, while teammate Zach Kurtz is progressing with baseball activities after a thumb injury. Both players are working toward a return to the field.

Lastly, the New York Mets’ Francisco Álvarez and the Kansas City Royals’ MJ Melendez both faced injury concerns during their respective games. Álvarez was removed after experiencing discomfort, and Melendez appears to have escaped serious injury after fouling a ball off his shin, with X-rays ruling out fractures.

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