On a lighter day across Major League Baseball, much of the injury news on April 16 centered around the rehabbers. Several former All-Stars working their way back from the IL made rehab outings on the day. Additionally, the Blue Jays provided updates on George Springer and Addison Barger.
Updates on Blue Jays’ injuries
The Blue Jays provided several updates regarding their IL players on the 16th.
One was on George Springer, who suffered a toe fracture last week against the Twins. Manager John Schneider noted that Springer was swinging a bat aggressively and believes that, if he can handle high velocity against machines in simulated practice, Springer could come back without a rehab assignment.
Addison Barger, meanwhile, has resumed baseball activities down in Florida. He is expected to start swinging a bat this weekend.
Castro out
The Rockies sat utilityman Willi Castro on April 16, one day after he left Colorado’s contest versus the Astros.
Castro was hit with a pitch on his right hand. X-rays on his hand came back negative.
Rehab assignments
Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd struck out six over 3.2 IP with Triple-A Iowa. He averaged 93 MPH on his fastball and tossed 67 total pitches.
The Braves had two rehabbers with High-A Rome. Spencer Strider struck out three over 3.1 IP (50 pitches) with the Emperors, and hit 97 MPH in the first inning of that contest. Sean Murphy, meanwhile, went 0-2.
Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios gave up five hits over 2.2 IP and struck out three for Low-A Dunedin. Berrios averaged 94 MPH on his four-seam and 93 MPH on the sinker.
Mets reliever A.J. Minter struck out over one for High-A Brooklyn.
Other notes
In updates to media, Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk indicated that Jared Triolo has resumed baseball activities. Additionally, Jared Jones is ready to move on to simulated game action, as he works his way back from an elbow injury.
Astros pitcher Josh Hader threw 20 pitches of live BP on April 16. He was hitting 91-93 MPH during the session (h/t MLB.com).
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