It was a busy day on the injury front, despite just five games on the calendar. Several Braves left Game 1 of their doubleheader with the Phillies, with the most concerning injury being the one sustained by pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver. But in better news, two superstar sluggers in the AL West should be back soon.
Braves place AJSS on IL
AJ Smith-Shawver was the Braves’ Game 1 starter in their doubleheader on May 29. However, he ended the day on the IL with a strained right elbow, a concerning development for the young right-hander.
Smith-Shawver took a line drive off his lower half earlier in the third inning, which didn’t knock him out of the game. However, after he threw a fastball later in the inning, he was seen shaking his right arm out several times.
Trout coming back on May 30
That’s right, Mike Trout is back.
Multiple reports from Anaheim indicate Trout will be activated from the injured list on the 30th.
Alvarez could return soon
Yordan Alvarez could be coming back this weekend.
The Astros slugger will face live pitching on May 30. He’s been taking BP off machines, and if all goes well, Alvarez could be activated later this weekend against the Rays.
It would be better news for the Astros, who lost Ronel Blanco earlier this week, as the right-hander will need Tommy John surgery.
Alvarez’s been sidelined with hand inflammation.
Rehab assignments
There were some interesting developments during rehab outings on the 29th.
Marlins infielder Xavier Edwards was the DH for Jacksonville (AAA) on May 29 and went 0-4. However, Edwards is reportedly moving to second base when he returns from the injured list.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., meanwhile, was the Yankees’ starting second baseman to start 2025. However, Chisholm Jr. played third base for Somerset (AA) on May 29, the position where he fit in when the Yankees acquired him last summer.
Chisholm Jr. went 2-3 with a walk and two runs scored. He did not play the whole game.
Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg began their rehab assignments on May 29, during Game 1 of Norfolk’s doubleheader against Lehigh Valley (AAA). Cowser went 3-4, while Westburg, the Tides’ DH, went 1-3 with a walk.
Logan Gilbert lasted 1.2 innings during a rehab start with Tacoma (AAA). Gilbert, who topped out at 97 MPH during the start, gave up two hits and two walks but struck out three.
Kumar Rocker tossed four scoreless innings with Round Rock (AAA). Rocker, who maxed at 99 MPH during the start, struck out five.
Other injury news
The Dodgers transferred Evan Phillips, out with forearm discomfort, to the 60-day IL. Ben Lively, done for 2025 thanks to Tommy John surgery, was also moved to the 60-day injured list.
Tampa activated Kevin Kelly from the 15-day IL.
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