It seems unbelievable, but the first week of the 2023 MLB season is almost at the door. With that, the bad news is not long in coming. Here are the details.
Ray Out for the Rest of the Season
Seattle Mariners ace Robbie Ray will be out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury to his left elbow. The tendon injury requires surgery so he will miss the remainder of the 2023 campaign. The loss will be difficult for the Mariners considering Ray signed a 5-season, $115 million pact.
The 2020 Cy Young winner has had a shaky career between appearances as a starter and reliever. Ray declined to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays after the 2020 season. Now 31 years old, Ray could be facing the end of his career.
Bumgarner To Be Free Agent
World Series hero Madison Bumgarner has been released by the Arizona Rattlers. Arizona now has 7 days to either trade the 2014 World Series MVP, or send him to the minor leagues. It is looking unlikely that Bumgarner will accept a minor league assignment so a trade to another team would be the best option. Arizona won't be able to expect much in return.
The 33-year-old left-hander has allowed at least five runs in each of his four appearances this season. He owns a 10.26 ERA after pitching just one-third of an inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in his last start. Hopefully Bumgarner can find his effectiveness with another club.
Veteran Japanese pitching veteran Kenta Maeda has fared poorly in his return from Tommy John surgery rehab; 4 GS, 0-4, 9.00 ERA, 329 AvOpp. This Wednesday the Yankees gave him ten runs in three innings, his first career MLB appearance with 10+ ER. pic.twitter.com/CbU358vo3L
- Drian Bernal ⚾️ / 🇨🇺🇪🇨 (@Drianrogelio) April 27, 2023
Maeda to Injured List
Minnesota Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda exited his last appearance with discomfort in his elbow. The Japanese native is on his way back from Tommy John surgery last season. Maeda exited during the game against the New York Yankees, a 12-6 loss.
At this time, the Twins do not believe Maeda's elbow problems are a result of the Tommy John surgery. The Twins will have Maeda undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the problem.
Springer Out of Game vs. White Sox
Toronto Blue Jays star outfielder George Springer exited the game against the Chicago White Sox after taking a pitch to the right hand. The pitch from Michael Kopech hit Springer, who remained in the game to run the bases. Springer then scored courtesy of a double by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The good news for Springer and the Blue Jays is that X-rays revealed no fracture. For the time being, it is a hard hit to the hand. Springer is expected to be day-to-day. Cavan Biggio took his spot so he could take his place in the outfield. With the depth Toronto has in the outfield, Springer's absence for a few days will be manageable.
