MLB injury report for Thursday, April 6

The MLB injury report for Thursday, April 6th is a busy one, as Wednesday featured injury scares to two dynamic young stars as well as key updates to big names on the mend. Inclement weather has led the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins to postpone their home openers to Friday, April 7th, making for a lighter slate of games, so be sure to double-check your fantasy lineups.

Miami Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm was forced to leave his team’s game against the Minnesota Twins with a shoulder injury, while Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz suffered a facial injury during a collision with Rafael Devers. The Mets and New York Yankees received encouraging news about aces Justin Verlander and Luis Severino, while Bryce Harper took another step in his quest to get back on the field for the ailing Phillies. Here’s everything you need to know.

MLB injury report: Thursday, April 6th

Jazz Chisholm (shoulder) — The star Miami Marlins outfielder suffered a stinger in his right shoulder while diving into second base on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins. According to reports, however, it doesn’t appear to be too serious:

Take a deep breath, fantasy owners.

Bryce Harper (Tommy John) — Harper continues to defy the odds as he hopes to return from Tommy John surgery by the end of May. Next up on the checklist: taking BP at Yankee Stadium before the Phillies’ game in New York:

Harper’s next step will likely be live BP, but it’s unclear when exactly that will take place. If you wanted to take long-shot odds on him winning NL MVP this year, though, crazier things have happened if he can manage to only miss the first two months of the season.

Oneil Cruz (face) — Cruz was forced to leave the Pirates’ win over the Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon after colliding with Rafael Devers at third base. He initially stayed in the game but soon had to leave as the team began examining his left eye. The team has yet to make an official announcement but the shortstop is being evaluated for a facial injury, per Alex Stumpf of DK Pittsburgh Sports.

Justin Verlander (shoulder) — Still no timetable for Verlander’s return to the Mets, but a follow-up MRI on Wednesday did show reduced inflammation.

Josh Donaldson (hamstring) — We’re not sure if this qualifies as good news or bad news for Yankees fans at this point, but Donaldson pulled up lame while running out a fly ball against the Phillies. Manager Aaron Boone doesn’t sound too concerned.

Seiya Suzuki (oblique) — Manager David Ross called Suzuki’s oblique “a 10 out of 10” on Wednesday, and it sounds as though a rehab assignment could come soon. Suzuki had modest numbers in his first year stateside, but the underlying metrics were strong and there’s tantalizing power/speed/average upside — if he’s somehow available in your fantasy league scoop him up immediately.

Brett Baty (thumb) — Baty, a top Mets prospect and New York’s third baseman of the future (and some might say present), left his Triple-A game Tuesday after a swing that aggravated the same thumb that forced him to miss time last season.

Eduardo Escobar’s struggles at the hot corner so far this year made Baty a great add at the hot corner, so be sure to follow his progress closely — thumb injuries are tough on hitters, but he could be a .270+/25-homer bat if healthy.

Garrett Whitlock (hip) — Whitlock was slow to get started this spring after offseason hip surgery, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora says he’s on track to start for Boston next Tuesday in St. Petersburg. Whitlock has been dynamic between the bullpen and the rotation over the last couple of years and makes for a great stash in just about every league.