FunnellVision - MLB Injury Report
Monday, March 16, 2026
Here are the latest injury updates after what turned into a busy weekend.
Jose Ramirez has shoulder inflammation.
It was a scary and noteworthy premature exit yesterday, as Ramirez left early while the rest of the starters remained in the game. Later, it was revealed that he had injured himself following a dive from earlier in the game and felt worse after having stolen third base. It’s unclear if and when he will return to Spring Training games, and seeing how he isn’t getting any additional testing done, chances are that he makes it to the Opening Day lineup. Keep your fingers crossed that this keeps him out only a day or two and that he can return soon enough.
Zach Neto has a sprain in his left hand.
This was a big scare overnight on Saturday, as Neto had to leave his game early and was later seen wearing a splint. The worst was feared, but luckily, the best was revealed. He still needs to actually finish healing and get back into games, but the optimism here is refreshing. Consider him day-to-day for now unless we get some news about a setback later this week.
Francisco Lindor won’t commit to Opening Day just yet.
This feels more like a “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched” situation, which is completely fine. I personally never like to take things for granted or announce something myself before it happens. Still, at the rate things are going, it would be very surprising to see him on the Injured List or on the bench come Opening Day.
Zack Wheeler continues to impress.
The date of April 9 continues to be floated around as the potential benchmark needed for Wheeler to be able to make his 2026 debut. The team is off that day, but they do begin a nine-game homestand the day after against the Diamondbacks, Cubs, and the Braves. If things continue this way, it stands to reason that he could very well be making his 2026 season debut on one of those days, as chances are it would happen at home. That being said, I could see them wanting him to do a Minor League rehab assignment first. They may want to see how his body handles travelling with a team, taking days off, and going through the rigours of a road trip first. Wheeler continues to surprise me and make my prediction of when he will return look foolish. I wish him nothing but the best.
Jeremy Pena is limited in what he can do right now.
Both Pena and the Astros are taking a very cautious approach here, possibly due to the spectacle of incompetence that the team’s medical staff has displayed in the past. He will hopefully get clearance this week after his re-evaluation to intensify what he’s able to do. Until then, we won’t know more than this.
Lawrence Butler may make his Spring debut tomorrow.
This was a bit surprising, as the coverage for Butler’s return has been minimal. The team maintained that he was doing a lot of his Spring work behind the scenes, getting in at-bats against players within their organisation, all while doing simulated exercises and working on his timing. We shall see if this will eventually pay off, but the good news is that he is seemingly healthy enough to get into games.
J.P. Crawford could return tomorrow.
Most teams are taking the cautious route this time of the year, and the Mariners here are no different. They don’t want to force the issue and have Crawford miss extensive time, just so that he can get in some at-bats in a meaningless game. If he is unable to return tomorrow, then perhaps there’s more than meets the eye here.
The Red Sox have two infielders who are getting extra rest.
If there is one player to worry about here, it would be Marcelo Mayer, whose knee soreness seemingly appeared out of nowhere. His injury history makes this absence noteworthy, though the team isn’t concerned as of yet. The issue of less concern is Trevor Story, though it is something to monitor. Players shouldn’t necessarily need this much additional rest so early into their season, and the hope is that there isn’t an underlying issue here.