The Morning Glory 2059.04: Injuries Piling Up

[bcslouck]

The Oysters find themselves at the top of the JL Wildcard chase while still having a small chance at winning the Frontier. That figures to be an even bigger uphill battle with the injuries stacking up.

All-Star outfield Federico Linares went down on 8/9 with back strain that will keep him out 5-6 weeks. While his bat hadn't been quite as hot as it was in April, he was coming off a strong July in which he hit for a .919 OPS and played above average defense in RF. Him moving back to the OF is part of the reason for the team's pitching turn around, putting an emphasis on getting speed back out there after seeing the analytics showing the team being one of worst OF's in baseball. Part of that is due to the big park factors of Smashburger Field. But the team was honestly putting out some softball league sluggers out there while giving Linares time at 2B.

Jack Franklin was called up from AAA to replace him in RF.

A week later on 8/19, rookie OF Steve Cahill went down with fractured ribs that will keep him out 3 weeks. He's played solid defense, mostly in LF, and has been strong against RHP. He's even held his own against LHP, something not really expected out of him. He's also been apart of improving the OF defense and managed to not lost much (if any) production offensively.

Ka'im Muntasir helped stabilize 2B with Linares going back to RF before getting injured in May. He's close to ready for rehab. While nothing about his year was eye popping, he provide average defense at 2B (an upgrade) while not embarrassing himself with the bat. At worst, he'll at least be on the bench when he gets back. That'll depend on what moves the team make at the deadline.

Jamie Barber will also be back soon. His numbers don't look great but are buoyed by a tough April. Since the calendar flipping to May, he had pitched to a 3.33 ERA. José Castro stepped into the rotation and has struggled to a 8.10 ERA in his 3 starts. Barber is expected to make at least a rehab start or two before entering back into the rotation.

The Oysters have a lot to consider with the deadline looming. The biggest need is probably OF. They were already looking to upgrade before the injures of Linares and Cahill. The rotation's numbers overall aren't great but have improved along with the OF defense. They will probably explore adding a swingman to add flexibility and depth to the staff but overall, they feel good about the guys they have. And if they can add a bullpen arm they like, they will even though that isn't a priority. But with the injuries and now lack of depth, expect them to make a move or two.