MLB season is just around the corner, and we are already seeing plenty of key injuries to players on teams with playoff aspirations. Here is a list of key injuries that will affect these ballclubs:
DH Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees
Stanton could miss the entire season for the Yankees which is a big loss and presence in their lineup.
SS Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
He could be ready to go on opening day, but Henderson is the star player for the Orioles and a leading candidate for AL MVP, so if he starts slow, the Orioles could start slow.
SP George Kirby, Seattle Mariners
Kirby is an ace-caliber pitcher on a Mariners team that is looking to contend in a top-heavy AL West Division.
1B/OF Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds
Steer is one of the better offensive contributors for the Reds and although his injury appears to affect him throwing more than his hitting, he has been slowed by it and that could hurt the Reds chances of competing in a winnable NL Central.
C Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
The Mets have World Series aspirations, and although one injury to one player won’t derail that, losing their starting catcher for 6-8 weeks will impact how they begin their season.
SP Luis Gil, SP Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees
These are 2 of the Yankees best SP and although they have some solid depth, they could be in trouble, especially in a very tough AL East division.
OF Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves
This isn’t a new injury, but him missing the start of the season could certainly impact how the Braves start. They have to hope that the rest of their lineup stays healthy so make up for a big loss.
