Padres Star Cronenworth's Status, And Other MLB Injury Updates

Padres All-Star and middle infielder Jake Cronenworth almost went on the IL earlier this month after fracturing his finger, but now looks to return in time for the critical Cardinals series. Cronenworth’s left ring finger was hit by a Julio Urias pitch on Sept. 10, leaving the Padres in a precarious position. Luckily for the club, they opted to keep the shortstop/second baseman active, and it appears the injury is less serious than originally believed.

Fighting desperately for the NL’s final wild card spot, the Padres need Cronenworth’s glove and bat back in the lineup as soon as possible. The 27-year-old has batted .274/.350/.369 with 24 homers in his first 773 plate appearances at the MLB level, and this season has become an even more complete player by hitting left-handed pitching nearly as well as right-handed pitching.

Currently with two playoff spots on the line (NL East winner and second wild card), the Padres, Braves, Cardinals, Reds, Phillies, and Mets all sit within about four games of one another as the MLB season sprints to the finish line.

Other injury updates from around the league include the following:

Rays slugger Nelson Cruz, who has been heating up as of late, suffered a forearm contusion when he was hit by a pitch. X-rays were negative, and though Cruz is supposed to be fully available for Friday’s game against Detroit, Rays manager Kevin Cash said he may give Cruz a rest day regardless of injury status.

The Astros placed Jake Odorizzi on the 10-day injured list earlier this week due to a foot injury, which Odorizzi himself described to reporters as a “foot sprain.” The Astros pitcher chalked up the injury to a “fluky” step and said he expects to be back in the rotation on Sept. 24 when he’s first eligible.