After a challenging season marred by injuries, the Houston Astros have decided not to renew the contract of head athletic trainer Jeremiah Randall. This decision highlights the team’s struggles to manage player health throughout the year.
Impact of Injuries on the Astros’ Season
In a season where injuries took a toll, the Astros lost the most potential player value due to health issues, according to Baseball Prospectus and FanGraphs. The team’s injury struggles resulted in an end to their eight-year postseason streak.
Injury Statistics
- At one point, the Astros had 18 players on the injured list.
- A total of 28 players were sidelined at some point during the season.
- Three of the team’s four All-Stars missed significant time due to injuries.
- Slugger Yordan Alvarez played in only 48 games this season.
This injury epidemic raised questions about the Astros’ “return to play procedure.” Alvarez’s situation was particularly concerning. After being diagnosed with a muscle strain in his right hand, he faced live pitching instead of more thorough medical evaluations. Subsequent imaging revealed a fracture, raising doubts about the team’s initial decisions.
Management’s Response
General manager Dana Brown acknowledged that better imaging might have prevented complications for Alvarez. This concern echoes previous discussions regarding the team’s injury protocols. Brown’s predecessor, James Click, had promised a review of the procedures after another player, Jake Meyers, struggled with a shoulder injury.
Injuries Beyond Control
Despite the injury crisis, Brown attempted to downplay its severity. He attributed many incidents to industry trends or random accidents. Examples included pitcher Spencer Arrighetti fracturing his thumb during batting practice and Peña sustaining a fractured rib from a hit by pitch.
However, some cases raised serious concerns about the training staff. Meyers, who had previously suffered a calf injury, reinjured himself before a game after undergoing supervised drills. This incident resulted in nearly two months of missed games.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Randall had been a key figure in the Astros’ athletic training staff since 2015 and represented the team at the All-Star Game. The decision to part ways reflects a demand for improvement in managing player injuries during a tumultuous season.
