The Cincinnati Reds announced some roster moves on Wednesday.
One of them, unfortunately, involves an untimely injury for their future plans.
Tyler Mahle, one of their prime pitching trade chips, has just gone down with a shoulder injury.
“The #Reds today placed on the 15-day injured list, retro to Sunday, RHP Tyler Mahle (strained right shoulder). RHP Ian Gibaut, who yesterday was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers, has been activated for tonight’s game. Additionally, C Chris Okey was outrighted to Louisville,” they wrote.
The #Reds today placed on the 15-day injured list, retro to Sunday, RHP Tyler Mahle (strained right shoulder). RHP Ian Gibaut, who yesterday was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers, has been activated for tonight's game.
Additionally, C Chris Okey was outrighted to Louisville. pic.twitter.com/VmHcz3PKN7
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 6, 2022
A strained shoulder is a tricky ailment, especially for a pitcher.
That’s why, in most cases, an extended absence should be in order.
If Mahle is indeed out for a significant period of time, no contender will look at him as a potential improvement for their rotation.
An Untimely Injury
This injury could effectively take Mahle out of the trade market, although it would be wise to wait for more details from the team or other trustworthy sources.
Strained shoulders can also vary, and so will the timeline depending on the specifics of the injury.
In any case, it’s a tough blow for the Reds.
Mahle had a horrible start of the season but was starting to put everything together as of late.
His season ERA is 4.48 in 92.1 innings, but his Fielding Independent Pitching, another run-prevention metric that removes defense from the equation, has him at a solid 3.55.
It means poor defensive play from his teammates may have been affecting Mahle on the mound.
In any case, he has shown time and time again that he is a solid MLB pitcher capable of being deployed in the middle of any rotation.
It’s too bad he is out of action now, but the Reds hope he can be back soon.
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