On August 3rd, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Felix Peña ruptured his ACL covering first base in the second inning of the Angels’ game against the Cleveland Indians. Peña had to be carried off the field. Peña had an MRI later that night which confirmed the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Reports are that Peña has decided to have the ACL reconstructed, which will keep him out for at least 9 months.
Kevin Kiermaier, an American baseball player for the Tampa Bay Rays, sprained his left thumb on July 20 when he slid headfirst into first base while playing against the Chicago White Sox. He had an MRI, which–as we often discuss on this site–is not typical. Physical examination of the metacarpophalangeal joint usually provides sufficient information. MRI can be difficult to execute and interpret. The team indicated no surgery is needed, meaning the ligament is in a position that it can heal naturally. Kiermaier will return to play in a couple of weeks.
On July 22, 2019, Atlanta Falcons safety JJ Wilcox had to be taken off the field minutes into the first training camp of the offseason. It was later determined that Wilcox tore his right knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Wilcox just recently signed with the Falcons and was expected to make their roster as a back up safety.
Wilcox is going to have surgery to reconstruct his ACL and will be out for the entire 2019-20 season.
To learn more about ACL surgery and recovery click here.