Spring training marks the period when Major League Baseball players intensively prepare their bodies after the offseason, yet even the most dedicated athletes can suffer unusual injuries while getting back into peak condition. This article explores five of the strangest MLB spring training injuries ever documented, illustrating how the return to the field sometimes brings unexpected setbacks.
Michael Taylor’s Unfortunate Finger Cut in 2013
Michael Taylor, distinct from the more recent Michael A. Taylor, was once considered a leading prospect following a swift climb through the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor leagues. After making his MLB debut in 2011 with the Oakland Athletics, his career stagnated, totaling just 102 plate appearances across four seasons. His 2013 spring training offered one last chance to revive his trajectory, but a bizarre incident cut that short. Taylor sliced his finger on a dugout ceiling light while casually discarding gum, forcing an 11-day absence. Although he returned and took eight spring at-bats, he was soon reassigned to the minors.
Kevin Mitchell’s Tooth Trouble and Jhonny Peralta’s Allergic Reaction
Two peculiar injuries share this spot despite occurring 23 years apart. Kevin Mitchell entered 1990 spring training fresh off an extraordinary 1989 season where he earned the National League MVP, led MLB in several offensive categories, and helped the Giants reach the World Series. Yet, early in that spring, a bite of a chocolate doughnut caused a tooth infection so severe it required a root canal, sidelining him briefly.
“I put it in the microwave,”
Mitchell shared.
“As soon as it happened I threw the doughnut in the trash. It hurt that bad.”
?Kevin Mitchell, Former MLB MVP
Meanwhile, in 2013, Detroit Tigers’ shortstop Jhonny Peralta faced his own unexpected injury. After eating an unlabeled soup before a spring game, Peralta experienced an allergic reaction because it was clam chowder, a fact revealed only after he was forced out of the lineup. This mishap disrupted the Tigers’ preparations despite the team’s eventual successful season.
Jose Cardenal’s Unusual Excuses and Odd Fatigue
Jose Cardenal, a Cuban-born outfielder famous for his long career mainly with the Angels and Cubs, was noted as one of the last Cuban players to defect before Fidel Castro’s regime tightened restrictions. His spring training injuries were less physical and more bizarre. On multiple occasions, Cardenal gave unique reasons to sit out games. On Opening Day in 1974, he claimed his eyelid was stuck open, preventing him from playing. Later, in 1979, having been traded mid-series from the Phillies to the Mets, he said he was too stunned by the transaction—even though it only required switching dugouts.
Most perplexing was a 1972 spring training incident when Cardenal told Cubs manager Jim Marshall that crickets had kept him awake all night, leaving him too fatigued to compete.
Elvis Andrus’s Tattoo Pain Sidelines Him in 2013
The Texas Rangers of the early 2010s featured Elvis Andrus as a young star shortstop emerging from an All-Star 2012 campaign. Coming into the 2013 spring training, he was regarded as a cornerstone for the team’s immediate and future success. However, after manager Ron Washington gave him a day off in February, Andrus chose to get a full-sleeve tattoo on his upper arm, honoring his father. The tattoo’s pain was severe enough that Andrus missed an additional game due to discomfort, an unconventional but impactful injury for a professional athlete preparing for the season.
Steve Sparks’s Shoulder Injury from a Phone Book Challenge in 1994
Steve Sparks, a late-blooming pitcher who broke into the majors at age 30 and nearly clinched American League Rookie of the Year in 1995, suffered one of the strangest spring training injuries in baseball history. During a team-building exercise in 1994, Sparks attempted to tear a phone book in half—an infamously tough challenge—despite not being angry or frustrated. Unfortunately, the effort severely injured his shoulder, resulting in a dislocation that interrupted his preparation for the coming season.
This injury exemplifies the uncommon risks athletes face even outside normal game activities, blending team camaraderie exercises with unintended physical consequences.
The Broader Impact of Peculiar MLB Spring Training Injuries
These unusual incidents serve as reminders that MLB spring training, while crucial for conditioning and skill tuning, can also bring unexpected challenges regardless of a player’s talent or experience. From minor accidents in the dugout to allergic reactions and unconventional injuries, these cases underscore how easily momentum can be disrupted ahead of a competitive season. For teams and athletes alike, vigilance remains key, as even the smallest misstep during spring preparations can cause delays or setbacks that affect performance.
As Major League Baseball continues to evolve, with more attention to player health and safety, learning from these bizarre injuries could help reduce avoidable disruptions in future spring trainings. Fans and organizations will watch closely how players manage their preparations in coming years, aiming for peak performance while avoiding strange and unfortunate incidents.
