MLB Injury Roundup: Post Trade Deadline Injury Blues
By Nick Fustor
Starters
Danny Salazar
While the Indians have arguably the best pitching rotation in the American League, losing Salazar for any amount of time is a blow. But after adding Andrew Miller to their bullpen before the trade deadline, the Tribe should have enough depth to push through his DL stint.
An MRI revealed inflammation in Salazar’s elbow, which is a lucky break for Cleveland, but they’ll exercise all caution in making sure he returns healthy for the final month of the season.
Salazar currently has a 3.38 ERA while racking up 10.20 strikeouts per nine innings in 20 starts. While his walks have increased, he’s utilizing more of the plate and in turn racking up more strikeouts.
With Cody Anderson and Mike Clevinger available to start, the Indians look to be fine in Salazar’s absence.
Julio Teheran
With the Atlanta Braves mired in the basement of the NL, the team is best suited to letting Teheran take plenty of time to rehab his lat strain. While he isn’t expected to be out long, Teheran has nothing to prove with Atlanta.
Coming off a down 2015 campaign, Teheran has been excellent this season. His 2.89 ERA is 16th best among starters with 50 or more innings pitched, while he’s also decreased his walks and home runs allowed.
Teheran’s injury will likely give Aaron Blair another shot in the rotation, despite his struggles in 11 starts earlier this year. Expect Teheran back soon if his rehab progresses quickly, and then leading a young staff of Braves starters.
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