With MLB action resuming and all teams starting to get into the swing of things it certainly seems as though the teams are all stacking up. That is of course subject to players out due to injury and availability. And despite the league only starting up for a few days, some notable names are going to be missing in action for some time more. Fans and players however will be hoping that most of these talismanic players make a quick return to the roster to help their teams on their journey to capture the crown.
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It is often said in sports that the best ability a player can have is availability; and while several stars have shown their pedigree on the diamond, they are yet to have a say in the results of their franchise. With the season only just starting up the results of a franchise are yet to really kick into gear, but for most of the players on the list, they will be looking to make a quick return. For a variety of reasons, some game-related, some not as much, several stars appear to be missing game time this season. And some absences are more notable than others.
San Diego Padres – Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr. injured his wrist in the off-season and due to the lockout was unable to get in contact with any of the team doctors during that period. Broken in a motorcycling accident, the injury is likely significant and may see some changes made to his game in the long term too. The star, however, underwent left wrist surgery last month and is expected to be back in the batting cage in another three weeks.
While an exact timeline is yet uncertain for his return, the general recovery period for injuries of a similar nature usually stretches as far as 3 months. Moreover, fans will be expecting him to mark his return this season; but it may yet be some time before we see Tatis Jr. return.
New York Mets – Francisco Lindor
Sustained as an injury during one of the league’s opening fixtures, Lindor may be back sooner than we expect. Struck on his helmet’s C-Flap as he faced an 88 mph fastball as the Mets took on the Washington Nationals, Lindor immediately retired from the game. However, after immediately being rushed for scans, it was declared that the X-Rays found no damage to the bone nor any concussions.
While news is still awaited on when Lindor marks his return, it certainly will not be long before we see the shortstop back in action for the Mets.
Chicago White Sox – Lucas Giolito and AJ Pollock
The Chicago White Sox may be set up to dominate their division over the course of the season, but it appears there may yet be some teething troubles. With their season opener see some of their roster members leave the ballpark.
Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito saw his exit from the mound on Opening Day. After 61 pitches over 4 innings keeping the Tigers scoreless, Giolito returned to the clubhouse due to left abdominal tightness. And while not running into several months, Manager Tony La Russa admitted that he might take a few misses. Giolito is not expected back for atleast 2 more starts.
And the bad news didn’t end there either; outfielder AJ Pollock too saw an early exit from the series. Pollock left after experiencing right hamstring tightness during a single in the 4th innings.
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While some stars have seen an exit for a longer time than others; almost no team is boasting a full strength squad. But what do you think? Could the injured stars at the moment be the difference makes for their franchise?Watch
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