Reds Lose Key Trade Chip To Injured List

As they get set for a big month of wheeling and dealing, this is not the news the Cincinnati Reds were hoping for. Starting pitcher Tyler Mahle is heading to the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. It comes just four weeks before the trade deadline. Mahle, however, isn't concerned.

Tyler Mahle said his trip to the IL with a shoulder strain is “not concerning at all.” He plans to be back at the All Star break.

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 6, 2022

Mahle says he plans to be back by the All-Star Break, which is just two weeks from now. 

"It’s just a little bit of irritation and inflammation," Mahle said. "No one was scared that it was going to be anything crazy, and I don’t think so either, just the way it feels. I think a little break will be great for my shoulder." 

Mahle had been having some discomfort in recent starts, and at least one well-connected Reds fan/podcaster has a possible reason why.

It probably wasn't the reason he got hurt, but I'll never understand why Tyler Mahle threw 119 pitches in a game six weeks before the trade deadline.

Anyway, welcome to the club, Tyler. pic.twitter.com/ZVheh7hSPv

— Nick Kirby (@Nicholaspkirby) July 6, 2022

Yes, Mahle threw 119 pitches in a recent start. No telling if it's a direct correlation, but hearing that he's had some discomfort lately, it makes one wonder. 

This could be another bad hit to the starting pitchers trade market, as another highly sought-after arm is also hurting right now.

Photo Credit: Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK