Luis Medina Injury Update, Potential Timeline for Return

There are also injury updates that could impact the Oakland A's Opening Day roster

After being pulled from Monday's start in the second inning, Luis Medina was initially diagnosed with a knee sprain. Following Tuesday's off day, Martín Gallegos posted that the 24-year-old righty came into the clubhouse Wednesday on crutches. Per Gallegos, he has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and will miss the start of the season. 

In terms of the grading system, Grade 2 is the moderate version, while Grade 1 is more mild and Grade 3 is more severe. An MCL sprain is basically a tear that needs time to recover. Occasionally a Grade 2 requires surgery, but it appears that as of right now that's not the case for Medina. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a Grade 2 sprain usually takes between four and six weeks to heal with proper treatment. Four weeks would put him at April 1, while six weeks has him healed around April 15. He would also likely need to make some rehab appearances to get him built up for the season. 

Gallegos also reported injuries to three more A's players. 

Nick Allen, the presumed starting shortstop for the club, is dealing with a mild back strain. The 25-year-old last played in a game on March 1 and so far this spring he is 3-for-9 with five RBI and a stolen base. 

Aledmys Díaz, the team's projected utility player, has been dealing with a groin strain and hasn't played since February 26. He has resumed baseball activity. 

Finally, depth option Freddy Tarnok had a flare-up of his surgically repaired right hip and has been shut down for the time being. The right-hander last pitched in a game on August 9 in Oakland, shutting down the Texas Rangers over four scoreless innings. 

With Opening Day just a few weeks away, any setbacks at this stage could have an impact on who will ultimately make the A's roster to begin the season.