MLB Injury Report: June 15

Kenta Maeda, Billy Hamilton and Gerrit Cole are some of the latest names to wind up on our MLB injury report.

As we approach the dog days of summer, injuries of all sorts are beginning to pile up across the league. Our objective here is to keep you up to date with the latest MLB injury news using every resource available.

The Mariners might have avoided a scare last night, while the Dodgers face the uncertainty of Kenta Maeda’s next start. Billy Hamilton might need an extended stay on the disabled list and A’s fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief as their talented rookie is dealing with a minor muscle issue and nothing more.

Here’s a look at the latest injury news from across the league:

Kenta Maeda – The Dodgers righty was removed in the sixth inning after taking a hard grounder off his right leg during Tuesday’s game against the Diamondbacks. X-rays on the lower leg contusion were negative, but Maeda needed assistance off the field and he’s not a sure bet to make his next start Sunday versus the Brewers. Often a fracture can’t be determined from the initial set of x-rays, as was the case with teammate Andre Ethier earlier this spring. A trip to the disabled list shouldn’t be ruled out.

Taijuan Walker – Walker was removed from the game versus the Rays with what was thought to be a right Achilles injury. Turns out the news is not as bad as originally reported. Walker is suffering from posterior tibial tendinitis according to Bob Dutton. The tendon attaches the calf to the bones on the inside of the foot. He hopes to make his next start.

Jonathan Papelbon – The Nationals closer was placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 13th, due to a right intercostal strain. This marks the first time in Papelbon’s 11-year major league career that he’s made a trip to the disabled list. Over his last five appearances, Papelbon’s pitched to a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP, while allowing six hits and three earned runs over five innings pitched.

Billy Hamilton – Hamilton was placed in the MLB concussion protocol after being struck in the head while sliding into third base last week. The Reds placed him on the 7-day DL, but the unpredictability of such an injury makes it almost impossible to be certain of a true return date. Complicating measures even further, Hamilton saw his rookie campaign cut short by four games after he suffered a concussion back in 2014.

Francisco Cervelli – The Pirates backstop has undergone wrist surgery to repair a small bone located at the base of the pinkie finger. The bone, known as the hamate bone, is a uniquely shaped bone, known for its hook like feature. It serves as an anchor point for several wrist flexor muscles and it’s common for complications to arise from this type of procedure. Cervelli is expected to return in 4-6 weeks, although grip pressure and loss of power might accompany him in his return.

Chris Owings – Owings is battling plantar facsiitis in both of his feet and it’s so severe that he was placed on the 15-day DL. The versatile outfielder will most likely need an extended period of inactivity to overcome the pain associated with aggravating the plantar fascia.

Gerardo Parra – Parra suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday’s tilt with the Yankees after colliding with shortstop Trevor Story and had to be carted off the field. He’s scheduled for an MRI Wednesday to determine if any structural damage exists. As of now he’s considered day-to-day.

Carlos Beltran – Beltran was held out of Tuesday’s game with the Rockies as he continues to deal with left knee soreness. Beltran had his knee drained Tuesday and might be available as soon as Thursday according to Jared Diamond. Beltran could offer no explanation as to why the knee was giving him problems and Yankees manager Joe Girardi added, “It’s a little worrisome” when asked about the best hitter in his lineup. He’s considered day-to-day.

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Brandon Belt – Belt left Tuesday’s game in the seventh inning after being hit on his ankle by a Carlos Torres offering according to Alex Pavlovic. There are no signs that he’s suffering from any type of major issue and shouldn’t miss any time.

Steven Souza – Souza left Tuesday’s game with hip soreness according to Steve Carney of 620 WDAE. While he’s considered day-to-day, the full extent of his injury remains uncertain. Souza came up limping after a diving attempt at a ball in the top of the seventh inning.

Gerrit Cole – Cole was placed on the 15-day DL with what’s being described as a triceps strain. He’s likely to make his next start as soon as he’s eligible to return from the DL according to Bucs general Manager Neil Huntington. The Pirates will treat this situation with extreme caution.

Matt Cain – The Giants placed Cain on the 15-day DL Tuesday with a right hamstring strain according to Amy Gutierrez. He just returned from a hamstring injury Monday, where he allowed three runs in 3.2 innings versus the Brewers.

Vince Velasquez – Velasquez, who was placed on the 15-day DL with a biceps strain, was able to play catch Tuesday according to Matt Gelb. Velasquez said he threw at 70 percent effort and could possibly throw a bullpen session later this week. This is certainly positive news after being pulled from Monday’s start after just two pitches.

Sean Manaea – MRI results showed that the injury to Manaea’s left forearm is “muscular and minor” according to Jane Lee of MLB.com. Manaea could make a quick turnaround and miss the minimum 15 days according to A’s sources.

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Michael Conforto – Conforto was diagnosed with sprained cartilage in his left wrist, although the Mets slugger did pinch hit during Tuesday’s game with the Pirates. He’s still considered day-to-day.

Players who may be returning soon include: Neil Walker (Back), Michael Saunders (Hamstring), Juan Uribe (Groin), Victor Martinez (Knee) and Erick Aybar (Undisclosed).