As the month of April approaches its close, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Dodgers roster moves incoming:
The Dodgers are expected to make a handful of roster moves in the near future, with infielder Max Muncy and reliever Brusdar Graterol likely set to come off the paternity list. It’s possible that catcher Will Smith will also be activated from the 7-day concussion IL, but it seems as though he isn’t expected to return to work behind the plate just yet. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic) that if J.D. Martinez, who hasn’t played in a few days due to back soreness, requires an IL stint of his own, Smith could be an option at DH while Martinez is on the shelf. Each of Muncy, Graterol, and Smith will require a corresponding move to clear space on the active roster, though if Martinez does hit in the injured list that would clear one spot.
2. Injuries to watch this weekend:
Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez (neck discomfort) and Giants catcher Joey Bart (groin tightness) have both missed three games due to injury at this point. Given stints on the IL can only be backdated a maximum of three days, it seems likely that each player will be re-evaluated by their club today to determine if they need to make a trip to the IL. Other injury situations to keep an eye on are those of AL MVP Aaron Judge, who left yesterday’s game with right hip discomfort but expects to only be sidelined for a few days, and Twins right-hander Tyler Mahle, who left yesterday’s game with elbow soreness. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters (including The Athletic’s Dan Hayes), Mahle is day-to-day, but was unsure if Mahle would require an MRI.
3. 2022 World Series rematch series:
The Phillies are headed to Minute Maid Park for a rematch of the 2022 World Series against the world champion Astros, with the series set to kick off tonight at 7:10pm CT. Both teams struggled to open the season, spending most of the month under .500. Both now appear to be finding their footing, with the Astros pulling into a first place tie with the Rangers in the AL West while the Phillies rebounded from a 5-10 record to win seven of their last ten, returning the club to an even record. The teams will match up this weekend in Houston, with left-hander Framber Valdez squaring off against right-hander Aaron Nola to kick the series off tonight at 7:10 CT.
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