The opening of a new baseball season is exciting not just for the fans, but for the players as well. It’s a new beginning and a chance to start fresh and maybe be part of something really special. That makes it hurt so much more when an early injury—a season starting with so much promise can be over before it really began. Even players that return from their injuries could be dealing with them the rest of the season if given little time to rehab.
Not even two weeks into the season, we’ve seen a number of important players on teams that look to compete hit the disabled list. Here are just 6 of those players.
David Wright, New York Mets
Captain America struggled with injuries in 2014, resulting in a down year with some missed time. But he came into Spring Training fully healthy and ready to contribute to a Mets team that was looking to finally compete for the first time in a long time. And it showed—in the first 8 games of the season, Wright hit .333 with a home run, 4 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases. Unfortunately, the second stolen base led to a strained right hamstring. Wright’s been known to play through injuries and aggravate the issue, but decided to be prudent this time and go on the disabled list in the hopes of it being a mere 2-3 week stint. Mets fans are certainly praying for that.
Carlos Gomez, Milwaukee Brewers
Carlos Gomez came into 2015 trying to continue a streak of impressive offensive seasons. He boasted an 8.9 WAR, 24 home run season in 2013 and a 4.8 WAR, 23 home run season in 2014. Gomez has become a fixture in the middle of the Brewers lineup, and looked to be an integral part of a team looking to rebound from a poor second half of 2014. He might be, but it certainly won’t be in the next few weeks. Gomez was put on the DL on April 16th after sustaining a hamstring injury running to first base. For now it’s unclear when he’ll be back, but Brewers GM Gord Ash has said that “he’ll be reevaluated next week to see if he’ll need to miss more than the minimum 15 days.” Gomez’s injury is another blow to a Milwaukee team off to a slow start.
Henderson Alvarez, Miami Marlins
When young Marlins ace Jose Fernandez had to have Tommy John surgery and was unavailable for a large part of the 2014 season, Alvarez stepped up and established himself at the front of Miami’s starting rotation. His 2.65 ERA and 4.6 WAR in 30 starts last year earned him the spot as Miami’s Opening Day pitcher. But after just two starts this season, Alvarez hit the DL with inflammation of the right shoulder and elbow. Having neither Henderson nor Fernandez is not ideal for the Marlins, who have struggled early in the season after being something of a trendy playoff pick before the season. But when asked about Alvarez returning, Marlins manager Mike Redmond said “How long it will be, I don’t know.”
Yan Gomes, Cleveland Indians
In 2014, Yan Gomes established himself not only as the catcher of the Indians’ future, but one of the best offensive catchers in the league. He hit 21 home runs with a .278 average and a 4.4 WAR, earning him his very first Silver Slugger award. Cleveland fans have high hopes after a couple of competitive years and a Wild Card game, and Gomes’ offensive prowess is critical to the Indians’ success. But Gomes and the Indians suffered a setback when he sprained his knee against the Tigers. After an MRI confirmed the sprain, the Indians put him on the DL. The expectation is that Gomes will miss six to eight weeks, a crushing blow to a team looking to compete in a particularly tough division.
Ian Kennedy, San Diego Padres
The Padres made a number of big acquisitions this offseason, but if they want to compete they’ll also need players like Ian Kennedy to continue what they’ve been doing. Kennedy was a mainstay in the San Diego rotation last year, pitching to a 3.63 ERA in 33 starts and striking out 207 batters in 201 innings. Unfortunately, Kennedy made it to just the third inning of his first start this season before injury struck. He was quickly taken out of the game after an aggravation of his left hamstring.
Joe Nathan, Detroit Tigers
Joe Nathan definitely didn’t have the best year in 2014, if his 4.81 ERA is any indication. Still, Nathan had 35 saves for the Tigers and they hoped he could continue to rack up saves in his age 40 season. But after facing just a single batter, Nathan wound up on the DL with a right elbow flexor strain. Thankfully for Nathan, he’s already rehabbing his injury and could be back soon. Other players aren’t so lucky.