April Top Prospect Injury Updates

We're rapidly approaching the end of the first month of the season, and with it we're already seeing injuries unfortunately. Let's take a look at how some of my top prospects have either missed time or already returned to the field, and whether there's any new information to be gleaned from these.

#9 Joey Gallo

Injury: Heel surgery
Current Status: Just Returned to the Lineup

Gallo made his season debut on Saturday, going 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts. He followed it up last night with a 2 for 4 outing with a double and no strikeouts. There wasn't really a lot of concern about the injury going forward, and seeing him back already helps that out as well. I could see Gallo getting a call up in September since he will need to be added to the 40-man roster after the year, but more likely he will spend the full year in the minors between AA and AAA.

#16 J.P. Crawford

Injury: Oblique injury
Current Status: Minor League Disabled List

Crawford suffered the injury during spring training, and has already been working his way back to the field. He's expected to return in the next couple weeks, and will head to High-A once he's ready.

#38 Jameson Taillon

Injury: Recovering from Tommy John Surgery
Current Status: Still recovering

Taillon isn't expected to debut for another month or so as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, and I would have to imagine that he's going to have an innings limit this year. I could see the Pirates using him out of the major league bullpen later in the year if he's pitching well to help keep him under that limit.

#41 Hunter Harvey

Injury: Broken leg
Current Status: Minor League Disabled List

Harvey suffered the injury on a batted ball, and as a result has not pitched yet this year. He has begun throwing though, so hopefully the initial six week timeline for his return will end up being close to what happens. I don't think the injury necessarily changes his long-term value, and it will be good to see him get going in the next couple weeks.

#43 Marco Gonzales

Injury: Pectoral
Current Status: On Minor League Disabled List

Gonzales would likely have been the beneficiary of a rotation spot with the news that Adam Wainwright may miss the season, but he's currently on the disabled list in the minors with a pectoral injury. He only went on the disabled list back on the 22nd, so he'll likely be evaluated in the next few days. He's worth a speculative add in a lot of formats, as he could take over that spot if he's healthy after that evaluation.

#45 Rusney Castillo

Injury: Right shoulder
Current Status: On Minor League Disabled List, expected to return next week

Castillo is expected to play as the designated hitter at AAA Pawtucket this week, and if he does well it seems a possibility that he could be called up. The Red Sox placed outfielder Shane Victorino on the disabled list on Saturday effective Thursday, and while the team has been calling up pitchers in that spot, I can see Castillo being called if he shows that he's ready to play the field this week. I've already been saying he's worth holding onto if you have the roster spot, and with Victorino now injured, I think he ends up in a higher spot next Saturday.

Other Top 100 Prospects Currently Injured

#62 Jeff Hoffman
#65 Sean Manaea
#69 Raul Mondesi
#92 Jake Lamb
#95 Kyle Freeland