The biggest news for the Braves on Friday is that Ronald Acuña Jr. will be sent to Los Angeles for further tests to diagnose a torn meniscus in his right knee. This injury could put him in jeopardy for Opening Day.The New York Mets, already without shortstop Kodai Seng because of a shoulder problem, will miss second baseman and outfielder Jeff McNeil for a few days with what manager Carlos Mendoza calls “left biceps soreness.
McNeil will be kept out of the bullpen for a few days, though the righty is said to still be able to do some defensive work. The main concern reported by MLB Trade Rumors is that McNeil sat out last season when he was diagnosed with a partial tear of the UCL in his left hand. A rest and rehab program was prescribed in lieu of surgery, and while biceps injuries aren’t usually UCL-related like a forearm injury, there are concerns about McNeil’s overall health as Opening Day approaches in three weeks. .Miami is still without two projected starters, Garrett (sore left shoulder) and Rogers (biceps/lat), though both players look good.
According to manager Skip Schumaker, Garrett went through several pitching and batting sessions without incident and will soon begin live batting practice.Rogers, who has been dealing with both biceps and lat sprains that wiped out much of his 2023, is expected to make his first appearance in the Grapefruit League on Tuesday and throw about 20 pitches.But Atlanta isn’t the only team dealing with injuries early.
