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MLB: Injuries That Will Affect Playoff Contenders

Staff

Published

3 days ago

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JULY 19: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after scoring a run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 19, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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

TAMPA, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees poses for a portrait during the New York Yankees Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 18, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

Stanton could miss the entire season for the Yankees which is a big loss and presence in their lineup.

SS Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 02: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a run during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 02, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 15: George Kirby #68 of the Seattle Mariners throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park on June 15, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

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

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 25: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Texas Rangers during their game at Yankee Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 11: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

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.

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