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May Top Prospect Injury Updates

Jason Hunt takes a look at some of the top prospects that are either missing time due to injuries or have come back early on in the season.

By Jason Hunt
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

We're just about a third of the way through the minor league season already, and we're starting to see both a number of injured players returning. Of course, there always seem to be just as many new injuries to discuss in their place, and this month. Let's see which prospects have been affected, and when we might see them return to the field.

Season Debuts and Returns

#16 J.P. Crawford (Phillies)

Crawford has appeared in 16 games so far this year at High-A, where he's hitting .400/.493/.450 with a home run and three stolen bases. He's not hitting for a ton of power so far this year, as the home run is the only extra base hit, but it's early and the FSL isn't known for being all that nice to hitters. He'll be just fine, and honestly I think he's probably moved up to AA before too long.

#43 Marco Gonzales (Cardinals)

Gonzales returned to Memphis' rotation on the 9th, struggled in his first two starts back, but struck out 7 while allowing just one run over six innings against Omaha in his last one. Gonzales has been a staple on the Buy and Hold at this point as I keep waiting for Jaime Garcia to crumble again, but it may still be a bit longer. There are a number of options for the Cardinals at AAA if they do need a starter, but Gonzales represents the most upside in my opinion.

#62 Jeff Hoffman (Blue Jays)

The Blue Jays drafted Hoffman knowing he wouldn't debut until around this time, but he very well could be a steal given the potential he had to be the top pick before the injury. Chris King of Baseball Prospectus was on hand for his first start, providing some early notes:

Overall the numbers from the start don't necessarily tell the whole story, and Hoffman remains a prospect that could skyrocket on the rankings as he puts the surgery further behind him.

Newly Injured

#10 Yoan Moncada (Red Sox)

This one is extremely new, as Moncada left Saturday's game with a hamstring injury. He hasn't been placed on the disabled list yet, so it may just be a couple days. He's appeared in just five games so far, but is 6 for his first 18 with a triple.

#15 Julio Urias (Dodgers)

Urias will be out for about a month after having an elective surgery on his eye. Eric Stephen of True Blue LA noted that it could allow the Dodgers to keep his innings lower for the year while still giving themselves the potential to bring him up in September for a stretch run.

#30 Alex Jackson (Mariners)

Jackson was not hitting well in his first full professional season, and it turns out that he's dealing with a shoulder injury and was sent back to extended spring training as a result. It's possible that the Mariners keep him there in Arizona until the short season leagues start, but doesn't really change his timeline particularly.

#48 Manuel Margot (Red Sox)

Margot has been out since the 9th with a sore shoulder, but had been off to a good start at High-A Salem. He's been successful on 11 of 14 stolen base attempts, and has more walks than strikeouts so far (9 to 7).

Still Out

#38 Jameson Taillon (Pirates)

Taillon has not debuted yet this year, but it sounds like it's not expected to be much longer before he does.

#41 Hunter Harvey (Orioles)

Not the news that any Orioles fans were hoping to hear with Harvey, who hasn't pitched in a game this year. It came down a little over a week ago that Harvey would be getting an MRI and a likely appointment with Dr. Andrews. We should know more in the coming weeks, but it's not looking good at this point.

Other Injured Top 100 Prospects

#55 Dilson Herrera (Mets)
#65 Sean Manaea (Royals)
#71 Lucas Sims (Braves)
#92 Jake Lamb (Diamondbacks)
#95 Kyle Freeland (Rockies)