MLB Injury Report: Cease Sidelined, Ragans Faces Setback, Webb Nears Return

Major League Baseball is seeing a flurry of injury updates as the season progresses, with significant news surrounding key players like Dylan Cease, Cole Ragans, and Logan Webb. This report details the latest setbacks and positive developments impacting team rotations and rosters across the league.

Cease Sidelined with Hamstring Strain

The Toronto Blue Jays will be without starting pitcher Dylan Cease for at least the next two weeks. Cease was removed from Sunday's game against the Pirates in the fifth inning due to left hamstring discomfort. The team officially placed him on the 15-day injured list on Monday. While a definitive timeline for his return is yet to be established, the hope is that Cease will be ready to rejoin the lineup as soon as he becomes eligible in early June. His absence is a blow to the Blue Jays' pitching staff, as they rely on his arm to anchor their rotation.

Ragans' Return Paused After Setback

In a more concerning development, Cole Ragans of the Kansas City Royals has experienced a setback in his recovery. Ragans made a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha on Saturday, pitching 4 1/3 innings and throwing 68 pitches. Despite a seemingly solid outing, manager Matt Quatraro reported that Ragans did not "bounce back well" from the start. The pitcher is reportedly experiencing the same elbow discomfort that led to his initial placement on the injured list. He will be shut down from throwing for a few days and will be reevaluated. Further updates on Ragans' status are expected by the end of the week, leaving his return to the mound uncertain.

Webb on Track for Weekend Return

On a more positive note for the San Francisco Giants, pitcher Logan Webb appears to be on schedule to return to the rotation this weekend. Webb, who has been out with right knee bursitis since May 6, made a successful rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday. He pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings, throwing 62 pitches. Manager Tony Vitello indicated that Webb could be activated and rejoin the Giants' rotation for their upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies. His return is anticipated to lead to Trevor McDonald being removed from the rotation.

Brown Nears Return After Rehab Assignment

Another pitcher making positive strides is Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros. Valdez responded well to his recent batting practice session and has begun a rehab assignment. He made a start with Double-A Corpus Christi on Sunday, striking out five batters over two scoreless innings and reaching 35 pitches, with his fastball reportedly hitting 98 mph. Valdez is expected to need a couple more rehab outings to build up his pitch count, with his next start scheduled for Triple-A Sugar Land. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, he is on track to return to the Astros' lineup in early to mid-June.

Gurriel Placed on Injured List

The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the 10-day injured list with left hamstring tightness. Gurriel was removed from Friday's game against the Rockies with the issue. The team has opted to give him a full ten days to recover, with the hope of having him back after the minimum IL stint. Gurriel has been a regular in the Diamondbacks' lineup, batting .228/.284/.304 with one home run and 11 RBIs in 102 plate appearances. Top prospect Tommy Troy has been recalled to take his place on the roster.

Muncy to Return by Wednesday

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy is expected to be back in the lineup by Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Muncy was hit by a pitch on his right wrist during Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. While X-rays revealed no fractures, he has missed the subsequent three games as a precautionary measure. The team is giving him extra time off to ensure a full recovery from the blow.

Langford Resumes Hitting, Aims for Early June Return

Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford was cleared to resume hitting on Monday and took batting practice before the team's game against the Houston Astros. The hope is that he will take live at-bats by Friday and begin a minor league rehab assignment over the weekend. Langford has expressed feeling better now than he did during his previous ramp-up of baseball activities. An optimistic timeline suggests his return to the Rangers' lineup could be at the start of June.

Schwellenbach Begins Throwing Progression

Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Schwellenbach has been cleared to begin a throwing progression following surgery in mid-February to remove bone spurs from his pitching elbow. He will start with flat-ground tossing for a couple of weeks before moving on to bullpen sessions. As he is in the early stages of his ramp-up process, Schwellenbach is expected to be an option for the Braves' rotation in the second half of the season.

Crochet Nears Return After Shoulder Inflammation

Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet is scheduled to face hitters in a live batting practice session on Tuesday. This comes after he successfully completed a couple of bullpen sessions without issue. If there are no setbacks, his next step will likely be a minor league rehab start before rejoining the Red Sox rotation. Crochet has been sidelined since April 29 with left shoulder inflammation.

Bieber's Rehab Underway

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber, who has been sidelined all season with elbow inflammation, has begun his rehab process. He made his first rehab start in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League on Monday, striking out three batters over two scoreless innings. Bieber is expected to need at least a few more weeks of rehab outings to build up his arm strength before he can be ready to join the Guardians' rotation, likely within the next month.

Alvarez Ahead of Schedule, Lindor Resumes Activities

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, who underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee two weeks ago with an initial 6-8 week recovery timeline, is reportedly ahead of schedule. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Monday that Alvarez has already resumed hitting. There is a possibility he could return before the shorter end of his estimated timeline, potentially before the end of June. In other positive news for the Mets, Francisco Lindor has begun a running program and resumed baseball activities as he recovers from a left calf strain. While this is the most encouraging update yet, Lindor will likely require a rehab assignment before returning to game action after his extended absence.

Injury Updates and Player Impact

These injury updates are crucial for fantasy baseball managers and fans alike, as they directly impact team performance and player availability. The status of starting pitchers like Cease and Ragans can significantly alter a team's playoff aspirations, while the return of key offensive players like Muncy and potentially Alvarez and Lindor can provide a much-needed boost. For fantasy owners, monitoring these developments is key to making informed waiver wire decisions and maximizing their team's potential throughout the season.

What Remains Unclear

While several players are on positive trajectories, the exact timeline for Cole Ragans' return remains uncertain due to his recent setback. Further evaluation will be needed to determine when he can resume throwing. Additionally, the specific date for Max Muncy's return, while anticipated by Wednesday, is still dependent on how he feels leading up to the game.

Key Injury Information

• Dylan Cease: Blue Jays | Hamstring Strain | Injured List (15-day)
• Cole Ragans: Royals | Elbow Discomfort | Shut down from throwing, reevaluation pending
• Logan Webb: Giants | Knee Bursitis | Nearing return, rehab start successful
• Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: Diamondbacks | Hamstring Tightness | Injured List (10-day)
• Max Muncy: Dodgers | Wrist Contusion | Day-to-day, expected back by Wednesday

Source: Yahoo Sports, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mlb-injury-report-dylan-cease-050011113.html