Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Michael Wacha had an oblique strain on June 22nd, 2018.  It was reported that he had an MRI to confirm the severity of the strain, but there is no established value to this step.  It seems like athletes get an MRI for just about everything and most are unnecessary. Wacha is hopeful that his absence will be measured in weeks, not months, but such injuries have been known to linger. No information on treatment.
• Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Robbie Ray left the game on April 29th, 2018 with a strained right oblique. Ray’s MRI revealed a grade 2 strain, meaning more than a slight tear in the muscle, but not a complete detachment. Ray returned to play after 5 weeks. The use of MRI for an oblique strain is puzzling. We know from the mechanism, the location of pain reported and tenderness identified that there is an oblique strain. Surgery is never considered for this type of injury. When a player is comfortable enough to play effectively, the player returns to play. MRI does not aid diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis. 
  
• Brewers’ reliever Bobby Wahl had a major right knee injury, on Friday, March 1, 2019. Wahl threw a pitch to Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger, and soon after, Wahl was seen limping.  An MRI showed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).  Most ACL injuries happen during a pivoting maneuver. It’s unusual to rupture the ACL while pitching.  No timeline is given for Wahls’ return, but it will likely be a full year.