Injuries to key pitchers are a natural part of baseball. The challenge is knowing how to handle the situations skillfully. Fortunately, several key arms are nearing their return to teams that truly need them. Here are the details:
DeGrom Gives Positive Signals
Texas Rangers star pitcher Jacob DeGrom showed positive signs in his rehabilitation process. The former Cy Young winner has been out of action due to inflammation in his elbow. He threw a bullpen session on Monday, encouraging the team about his possible return.
While Texas manager Bruce Bochy did not give a set timetable for his return, the signs are encouraging. The Rangers need DeGrom in their rotation if they want to stay atop the American League West Division. With the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in pursuit, any help is welcome.
Mariners Expect Two Key Return Arms
Speaking of the Mariners, pitchers Andres Munoz and Penn Murfee have been out of action, leaving a void in the club's pitching staff. The Mariners have already lost ace Robbie Ray for the remainder of the season. That's why the upcoming return of Munoz and Murfee will be more than welcome.
Unfortunately, good news is limited for pitchers in Seattle. Pitcher Easton McGee faces the possibility of missing the rest of the season due to Tommy John surgery. McGee came to the majors in late April and showed good signs. Against the Toronto Blue Jays, McGee pitched six and two-thirds innings without allowing a hit.
Miller Ready to Debut
The Los Angeles Dodgers' most anticipated prospect, Bobby Miller, will make his debut against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The Dodgers are in need of arms after injuries to Dustin May and Julio Urias.
Miller joins Gavin Stone as a rookie on the mound for the Los Angeles Angels. Manager Dave Roberts has made extremely positive comments about Miller, considering his great size (he's 6 feet, 5 inches) and large arsenal of pitches.
It is worth mentioning that the arrival of Stone and Miller are the result of emergencies, considering that the other possible candidates for starter, Michael Grove and Ryan Pepiot, are also on the injured list.
Jacob Degrom had a bullpen session in which he threw 25 pitches and is feeling better enough to return to Texas.
He had been out since April 28 with elbow inflammation #MLB #Texas #Rangers pic.twitter.com/pAGOi3HgvC
- BeisbolSpace🇻🇪🌴 (@BeisbolSpace) May 20, 2023
Twins Experiment with Buxton
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is known as a player who possesses all the attributes of a star. He's got power, he's fast, and he's a gold glove. However, his stint in center field has taken its toll on him in terms of injuries. For example, Buxton missed a good portion of last season due to a knee injury.
So, the situation leaves the Twins at a crossroads - what to do with Buxton to maximize his presence on the field? The answer seems to lie in leaving the Gold Glover as the designated hitter.
For one, keeping Buxton's bat in the lineup is crucial. But the cost of losing him as an outfielder also affects the team. It remains to be seen whether the experiment will continue in the long run.