ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan injured by falling tree limb during storm cleanup
One of the top insiders in the MLB has been quiet for a little while. Now, we know why ESPN’s Jeff Passan hasn’t been quite as active in terms of breaking some of baseball’s biggest news stories.
Monday, Passan revealed that he suffered a serious back injury, keeping him away from his job. In a statement he released on Twitter, the MLB insider said he was struck by a tree limb while cleaning up after a major storm in Kansas City.
“Sorry I haven’t been posting lately. During cleanup after a big storm in KC, a large tree limb decided to fall and crush me,” Passan wrote. “The good news: I still have use of my arms, legs and Twitter fingers. The bad news: I have a broken back.
“The vertebra fracture will heal. I will be better. I’m hoping the pain subsides between now and the trade deadline, though painkiller-fueled tweets could be a fun time.
“To my incredible family, friends and everyone at ESPN who have been so supportive: Thank you. For the nurses, doctors and support staff at KU Med: I so appreciate your care and diligence. And to those who are so vital to helping me deliver news this time of year especially: My back may be shot, but my phone still works.”
Passan’s career in baseball coverage dates back to 2004, getting his start at the Kansas City Star. Following his time with the newspaper, he then began working with Yahoo Sports, where he spent time from 2006-18.
In 2019, Passan announced that he would be joining ESPN’s baseball coverage team and has continued to work for the network. He agreed to a contract extension with the company in 2022.
We all wish Passan a healthy and speedy recovery!
MLB trade deadline approaching
As Passan eluded to in his tweet, this is a busy time of year for MLB reporters. The trade deadline is right around the corner.
The MLB trade deadline comes on August 1, meaning teams have just a few more weeks to make any last-minute moves to improve and enhance their roster for this season. Or, if they’re thinking ahead, perhaps acquire more assets to start building a team for the future.
Either way, this is the time of year when things get really busy in baseball. It should make for an entertaining two weeks with the division races heating up and the MLB trade deadline approaching.