AL East Injury Updates: Bigge, Scherzer, Kim, and Westburg Progress

In a series of significant developments across the American League East, teams are grappling with injuries and roster changes as they approach the mid-season mark. Notably, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge is on the mend following surgery to address multiple facial fractures sustained from a 105-mph foul ball during a game against the Baltimore Orioles. According to Marc Topkin, a sports columnist for the Tampa Bay Times, Bigge has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. The incident, which occurred on May 1, raised concerns about player safety in the dugout, prompting Rays manager Kevin Cash to consider potential adjustments, although he noted that raising protective screens may not be feasible (Topkin, Tampa Bay Times, June 21, 2025).

Meanwhile, Ha-Seong Kim, recovering from shoulder surgery, is making strides in his rehabilitation. He participated in a rehab game, recording one hit, two stolen bases, and a walk, which bodes well for his return to the field. Notably, the Rays have emphasized that Kim must demonstrate his ability to perform at Gold Glove caliber defensively before being reinstated to the active roster (Topkin, Tampa Bay Times, June 21, 2025).

In Toronto, veteran pitcher Max Scherzer is also on the road to recovery after a strong rehab outing where he struck out eight batters in over four scoreless innings. However, an issue with his thumb/hand has led the Blue Jays to postpone his next bullpen session until Sunday, a delay that could push back his anticipated return to the rotation. As reported by Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, Scherzer's performance is crucial for a struggling Blue Jays rotation that has sought stability since his early-season exit (Bannon, The Athletic, June 21, 2025).

The Baltimore Orioles are dealing with their own injury challenges, as second baseman Jordan Westburg recently sustained a jammed finger during a game. Despite the scare, X-rays revealed no fractures, and manager Tony Mansolino expressed optimism that Westburg's condition is day-to-day (Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, June 21, 2025).

Additionally, the New York Yankees are closely monitoring the recovery of Luis Gil, the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year, who is making progress from a lat strain. Manager Aaron Boone praised Gil's performance in a recent live batting practice session and indicated the team hopes to reintegrate him into the rotation by late July or early August (Kuty, The Athletic, June 21, 2025).

As for the Yankees' bullpen, Boone announced a shared closing role between Devin Williams and Luke Weaver moving forward. Williams, a two-time All-Star, has been effective in recent appearances, earning four saves without allowing any earned runs. Boone’s strategy to rotate closers comes as both pitchers have shown promise despite injuries affecting their performance (Castillo, ESPN, June 21, 2025).

These developments reflect the ongoing challenges faced by teams in the AL East as they navigate the complexities of player health and roster management. The outcomes of these injuries and their management will have significant implications for each team's performance as they aim for postseason contention in the second half of the season.