MLB Injury Report: Vaughn Out Weeks, Lodolo Set for Minors Start

The MLB Injury Report is back, delivering the latest updates from around the league. In a relatively quiet opening week of the season, two significant injury developments have emerged. First, Andrew Vaughn has been diagnosed with a hamate fracture in his left hand, which will sideline him for 4-6 weeks. Meanwhile, Nick Lodolo is poised for a minor league start that could see him return to the Reds’ rotation next week.

Vaughn’s injury occurred during Thursday’s game against the White Sox, where he had been making waves with a stellar second half last season, hitting .309 with nine home runs. The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for the 27-year-old slugger. Following surgery, the team will turn to Jefferson Quero for added depth behind the plate, with Gary Sanchez and Jake Bauers expected to share first base duties in Vaughn’s absence.

On a more positive note, Nick Lodolo is recovering from a blister on his left ring finger that cut short his final spring training appearance. After a successful bullpen session, he is set to make a rehab start with Class-A Daytona on Thursday, putting him on track to return to the mound for the Reds in Miami next Tuesday, assuming all goes well. However, his history of blister issues raises some concerns about his durability.

In other injury news, Merill Kelly has been placed on the injured list due to back nerve issues that delayed his spring training preparation. He’s scheduled to begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno on Friday, with a potential return to the Diamondbacks’ rotation in mid-April. Spencer Strider is also on the mend from an oblique strain, having suffered the injury late in spring training. He will travel with the team and is expected to face live hitters soon, although he may need a few rehab appearances before returning.

Tanner Bibee was pulled from his start due to shoulder inflammation but reported improvement following a bullpen session. He’s cleared to pitch against the Dodgers on Tuesday, though fantasy managers might want to exercise caution. Seiya Suzuki is ramping up his recovery from a PCL sprain and may begin a rehab assignment soon, while Josh Hader is working back from left biceps tendonitis, aiming for a mid-April return.

As for the Yankees, Carlos Rodón is progressing towards a return after a successful live batting practice session, while Gerrit Cole remains on the 15-day injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The Blue Jays are also monitoring their pitching staff, with José Berríos and Shane Bieber set for bullpen sessions this week as they recover from elbow injuries. Cody Ponce’s situation is more precarious after he sustained knee discomfort during his start against the Rockies, leaving his immediate future uncertain as he undergoes further evaluation.

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