Early in the MLB season, there have been some teams bitten by the proverbial injury bug.
For some, the injuries have derailed any success early on in the year and set the franchises back.
Others have embraced the challenge and played well enough to be in a good position despite missing players.
Here is a look at three of those MLB teams, and some insights into what to expect when those reinforcements return.
3. New York Mets
It is no secret that the New York Mets have historically battled through injuries in recent years.
So far, this MLB season has been no different.
Injuries to star pitchers Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer has kept the duo out for parts of the young season.
NEWS: According to @SNYtv, Jacob deGrom "is potentially nearing a rehab assignment, having recently thrown multiple bullpen sessions, with live batting practice expected soon." #LGM pic.twitter.com/KHlhb5Zxtj
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) June 14, 2022
Even without the pair, the Mets have one of the best pitching staffs this year.
The addition of both would help to take the team to the next level.
Meanwhile, catcher James McCann has been battling a hand injury that has kept a void at the position.
While McCann has struggled when he has played, his career numbers highlight that he’d be a stark upgrade at a spot that has seen next to no production.
His return to the lineup could provide the team with an even greater boost, helping make an already deep lineup even stronger.
Despite these injuries, the Mets remain at the top of the National League with a stellar 40-22 record.
They will be eagerly waiting for these reinforcements to strengthen their roster even more.
2. San Diego Padres
Early in the season, the San Diego Padres are tied atop the NL West with a 38-24 record.
This has been without a handful of names that build the team’s core.
Most notable is Fernando Tatis Jr., who has not played this season after fracturing his wrist in a motorcycle accident this offseason.
Padres are not expected to try and void Fernando Tatis Jr.’s contract for injury possibly being motorcycle-related, per @jonmorosi.
Tatis has ‘pledged’ to no longer ride motorcycles. pic.twitter.com/vwl7laesvk
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 15, 2022
While he is eligible to return this month, it may take a bit longer for him to be fully healthy.
Whenever he does come back, Tatis alone will give this team another superstar alongside Manny Machado.
Other players that are currently out include pitcher Mike Clevinger, who has posted a 3.18 ERA so far this season.
He is a cornerstone of the rotation that has missed a lot of time in the last couple of seasons.
If he is able to return, the Padres would be greatly boosted by the support.
1. Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox started the season scuffling, with a bad offense paired with struggling pitching.
However, late in May the team began turning it around, and have since become one of the hottest teams in baseball.
They still have a big name looming, as his return could mark a major shift for the team.
Ace pitcher Chris Sale is projected to begin his rehab stint soon, as he will return at some point this season barring any setbacks.
Chris Sale is back at Fenway to continue his rehab. pic.twitter.com/BDIyJogxUC
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) June 14, 2022
For a team that is struggling with pitching depth, his return is critical.
Along with him, Garrett Whitlock and Nathan Eovaldi have both found their ways onto the injured list recently, hurting the team’s pitching.
With each of them working to return, the Red Sox can anticipate a major boost on the mound in the coming weeks.
Offensively, the team has stayed relatively healthy.
Outfielder Enrique Hernandez is set to return soon after a hip injury has held him out.
If he returns to form, he will slot right into a strong Red Sox lineup.
Even though the Red Sox still find themselves far out of the playoff picture, the return of these players could be the addition they need.
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