Injury updates: deGrom, Brantley, Pomeranz
There was significant news on the injury front around Spring Training on Friday, with some key players leaving games early in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues, while other big leaguers made significant progress in return from injury.
Here's a roundup of everything you need to know:
Thomas Pomeranz, Red Sox
Pomeranz left his first Grapefruit League start after just 17 pitches, the result of tightness in his left forearm. Fortunately, Pomeranz said his concern level is "very low" about the injury. The true test will come over the next couple of days to see if the 29-year-old has any lingering soreness. Regardless, the Red Sox will have a doctor examine Pomeranz. More >
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Bud Norris, Cardinals
Norris had his first spring start as a member of the Cardinals cut short because of a left hamstring spasm, which flared up as the veteran right-hander ran to cover third base during the third inning. Norris said he wasn't concerned about the injury, and he described himself as day to day. Norris initially felt a twinge in his hamstring while covering first base in the first inning, then he felt a sharper pain two innings later and exited the game following a conference on the mound. More >
Shawn O'Malley, Rockies
O'Malley had been a feel-good story early in camp, trying to earn a utility role on the 25-man roster, but the Rockies believe he may have broken his hand in a Cactus League game. O'Malley suffered the injury in the field after making a tough play to stop a ball from breaking through to the outfield. "We're going to check on him, but there's the possibility of a broken hand," manager Bud Black said. More >
Jacob deGrom, Mets
As he continues his quest to be ready for Opening Day, deGrom threw a 20-pitch bullpen session, his first in nearly two weeks due to a bout of back stiffness. The next step is to face hitters, which deGrom expects to do Sunday in a live batting-practice session. The Mets have targeted Tuesday for deGrom to pitch in a Grapefruit League game. More >
Michael Brantley, Indians
Brantley took a step toward getting back in the lineup, going through his first day of defensive agility drills as he works his way back from offseason surgery on his right ankle. Going forward, Brantley will have more agility work and an increase in baserunning and outfield drills. Brantley, who has been significantly limited by injuries in each of the past two seasons, has already been cleared to swing. More >
Brandon Guyer, Indians
Guyer hit off a tee for the first time since he underwent offseason surgery to repair the extensor tendon in his left wrist, and he said he "was really pleasantly surprised with how it felt." The outfielder took 10 dry swings and 20 swings off a tee. Next up for Guyer is a series of flips and batting practice, with the goal of being ready for the start of the regular season. More >