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.
Giancarlo Stanton returned to play on June 25, 2019 against the Toronto Blue Jays after missing all of April, May and most of June with a shoulder problem that started in late March. Unfortunately, the Yankees outfielder and former National League MVP injured his knee while sliding into third base.
Stanton had an MRI interpreted as a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (or PCL) sprain in his knee. Sprains heal naturally except for some complete ruptures. With mild and moderate sprains, the structure of the joint is solid. In many cases return to play depends on being comfortable and mobile enough to be effective.
Stanton has been placed on the 10 day Injury List. However, it is likely that he will miss the entire month of July. Due to injuries, Stanton has only played nine games this season.