11 injured players who could impact races
Wednesday's Trade Deadline has come and gone, but plenty of teams remain hopeful of acquiring impact additions this month. Those would come from their own injured lists, and the list of potential additions could hardly be more impressive.
For instance, a pair of aces, Max Scherzer of the Nationals and Corey Kluber of the Indians. Also, two third basemen, Evan Longoria of the Giants and Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals.
And the Yankees. No team has as much star power on the injured list, and there’s optimism that much of it could return over the next few weeks. Let’s check out 11 potential difference-makers who could impact the postseason races this month:
1. Max Scherzer, Nationals RHP (shoulder/neck inflammation)
He’s critical to his team’s postseason hopes, and the Nationals seem optimistic he’ll return this month. If he’s healthy for the playoffs, the Nationals suddenly become a very formidable opponent.
2. Luis Severino, Yankees RHP (right shoulder/lat)
He could begin throwing from a mound in the next week and be pitching in relief in the Major Leagues by the end of the month. Best-case scenario is that the Yankees get him stretched out in time to start Game 1 of the postseason.
3. Corey Kluber, Indians RHP (fractured right arm)
He could begin a rehab assignment next week, and perhaps be back on a Major League mound by the end of the month. He would obviously be a huge addition.
4. Dellin Betances, Yankees RHP (right shoulder/lat)
He’s on roughly the same throwing schedule as Severino and could be an important postseason weapon. Also possibly returning to the Yankees this month: left-hander CC Sabathia, catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder/DH Giancarlo Stanton.
5. Evan Longoria, Giants 3B (left foot)
He was a big reason the Giants got hot, and if San Francisco is still in contention when he returns, he’d be as good as a big-time Trade Deadline pickup. (UPDATE: Longoria came off the IL on Sunday).
6. Yadier Molina, Cardinals C (right thumb)
He could return next week, and he has the ability to impact his team in all sorts of ways.
7. Matt Carpenter, Cardinals 3B (right foot)
This hasn’t been his best season, but getting a three-time All-Star back in a tight National League Central race could make a big difference.
8. Ryan Pressly, Astros RHP (right knee)
The All-Star right-hander was one of baseball’s best relievers during the first half, and his importance to the Astros' postseason hopes could hardly be overstated.
9. Jimmy Nelson, Brewers RHP (right elbow)
Even if his return is as a one- or two-inning reliever, it would be important for a pitching-starved team in a close race.
10. Sean Manaea, A’s LHP (left shoulder)
He was his team’s ace last season, and he could be back in the Major Leagues within a week to bolster a rotation that added Tanner Roark and Homer Bailey in July.
11. Brandon Lowe, Rays 2B (right shin)
The All-Star was the front-runner to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award when he fouled a ball off his shin July 2. He hasn’t played since, but the Rays remain optimistic he will return this month.