Injuries & Moves: Stanek injures ankle, could be 'out a while'
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Sept. 4: RHP Ryne Stanek suffers right ankle injury
Stanek had to be carted off the field in the ninth inning of Monday's win over the Rangers after injuring his right ankle while covering first base. Stanek fell after stepping on the bag, then he appeared to be in considerable pain when he left the field. There was no immediate word on the condition of the veteran relief pitcher, who has appeared in 53 games.
“We don’t know," manager Dusty Baker said. "He’s being analyzed right now. It was ugly. You really couldn’t tell what happened, I think. He had a late break over there and those are big bases -- first time I’ve seen it hurt [a player]. I did see the still [picture] afterward. Boy, that looked ugly. I’m just hoping nothing is broken and nothing is structurally wrong. We have to see, because he could be out a while.”
Sept. 3: LHP Bennett Sousa claimed off waivers from the Tigers; IF Rylan Bannon designated for assignment
Bennett, who was claimed off waivers by the Tigers from the Brewers on Aug. 29, was assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land. He appeared in two games with the Brewers earlier this year (May 8 and June 7), allowing four earned runs and five walks in 2 2/3 innings. He appeared in 25 games for the White Sox last year, posting an 8.41 ERA. Sousa has a 4.91 ERA in 18 1/3 innings in the Minor Leagues this year, striking out 25 batters. He’s not eligible for Houston’s playoff roster. Bannon, who was 0-for-6 in two games for the Astros in late April, slashed .230/.346/.433 with 15 homers and 43 RBIs this year at Triple-A.
INJURY UPDATES
10-day and 15-day injured list
None
60-day injured list
RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (right forearm surgery)
Expected return: 2024
McCullers, sidelined since aggravating his forearm injury during a bullpen session in February, won't return this year following surgery performed on June 13 to repair his flexor tendon and remove a bone spur.
The right-hander had rehabbed to the point that he was close to facing hitters in mid-May, but another setback ultimately led to surgery. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 18. (Last updated: June 18) More>>
RHP Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery on May 19 and will miss the rest of the season. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 5. Garcia left his May 1 start against the Giants after only two pitches when he experienced pain in his right elbow.
Garcia, 26, posted a 2-2 record in six starts this season with a 4.00 ERA with 10 walks and 31 strikeouts and 27 innings. For his career, Garcia is 28-19 in 69 appearances (63 starts) with a 3.61 ERA, including 15-8 with a 3.72 ERA in 28 starts last year. (Last updated: June 5) More >>
Minor Leagues
RHP Forrest Whitley (right lat strain)
Expected return: September
Whitley suffered a right lat strain during a start on May 25 for Triple-A Sugar Land. The Astros' No. 19 prospect and former top pitching prospect will be out three to four months, the club announced June 2.
General manager Dana Brown said on the Astros' pregame radio show on June 4 that Whitley could potentially be a bullpen piece upon his return. (Last updated: June 4)