Fantasy Baseball and MLB News, Rumors and Injury Updates

MLB Injury Roundup

April 6, 2007 @ 16:00:00

Welcome to KFFL.com's Injury Roundup. Each week, we bring you the latest from around the diamond on key injury issues. Who are the latest players on the disabled list that could affect their team's production? Which players may be headed to the disabled list soon and which players may be returning to the fold in the coming days or weeks?

PRIME-TIME PLAYERS

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson (back) threw 60 pitches in a minor-league game April 3 and reported no problems.

Chicago White Sox starter Mark Buehrle (arm) had to leave in the second inning of the team's game Thursday, April 5, after being hit on his left arm by a line drive. However, X-rays came back negative, and the lefty hopes to be ready for his next start.

Detroit Tigers starter Kenny Rogers (shoulder) underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his left shoulder and will miss the first half of the season. He is expected to start throwing in six to eight weeks and is unlikely to return before July. For now, pitcher Chad Durbin moves into the starting rotation to fill the empty slot.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal (ankle) was placed on the 15-day disabled list, because of a sprained left ankle. Infielder Ramon Martinez has started at shortstop in the team's first three regular season games.

New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon (calf) missed the April 5 game because of a strained right calf. He underwent an MRI exam the same day. Damon may require a trip to the disabled list, and if he does, the team will likely call up a minor-league player. Meanwhile, outfielder Melky Cabrera is taking his place in the lineup.

St. Louis Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter (elbow) will be evaluated over the next several days after he suffered right elbow inflammation during his first start of the season. He is skipping a turn in the rotation as a precaution but has already seen improvement in his elbow.

AROUND THE DIAMOND

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Baltimore Orioles - Catcher Paul Bako was given the day off April 3 because he still wasn't feeling well after his collision with Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau the day before. Bako underwent some tests but did not suffer a concussion, and the team wants to make sure he is healthy before using him again... Catcher Ramon Hernandez (oblique) didn't start Opening Day because of a strained oblique. Hernandez was expected to miss a few days and could find himself on the DL if he were unable to play this weekend... Pitcher Sendy Rleal (elbow) and outfielder Jay Payton (hamstring) were placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Boston Red Sox - Reliever Mike Timlin (oblique) was due to throw in a minor league game April 3 before making two appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket later in the week... Starter Jon Lester (cancer) threw four shutout innings Thursday, April 5, in his first start of the year, with Class A Greenville. He's slated to get a three-month checkup later in April to verify if he is still cancer-free.

New York Yankees - Starter Chien-Ming Wang (hamstring) could throw in a simulated game over the weekend and remains on schedule for a late-April return to the starting rotation.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Outfielder Greg Norton (knee) had successful surgery by Dr. Koco Eaton to repair a torn medial meniscus in his right knee and is expected to be out four to six weeks.

Toronto Blue Jays - Starter John Thomson (shoulder) and pitcher Davis Romero (shoulder) were both placed on the 15-day disabled list.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Chicago White Sox - Catcher Toby Hall (shoulder) is confident he can avoid surgery with proper rehab. Even so, Hall is out until at least May.

Cleveland Indians - Outfielder Franklin Gutierrez (hamstring), starter Cliff Lee (abdomen), second baseman Joe Inglett (hamstring) and reliever Matt J. Miller (forearm) were all placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Detroit Tigers - Catcher Vance Wilson (elbow) is starting to feel better, and he hoped to play catch sometime this week... Shortstop Tony Giarratano (shoulder) went on the 60-day disabled list, while pitchers Roman Colon (neck) and Edward Campusano (elbow) were placed on the 15-day DL.

Kansas City Royals - The team transferred pitcher Leo Nunez (wrist) from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list... Closer Octavio Dotel (oblique), reliever Leo Nunez (wrist) and pitcher John Bale (shoulder) were all placed on the 15-day disabled list. The Royals plan to use reliever David Riske to close out games in the meantime.

Minnesota Twins - Outfielder Michael Cuddyer (chin) left in the fifth inning of the team's April 4 game against the Baltimore Orioles after sustaining a cut on his chin. Cuddyer is expected to be available for the team's game Friday, April 6... Third baseman Jeff Cirillo (knee) underwent an MRI on his left knee April 3, which revealed an old meniscus tear. Cirillo was first bothered by the soreness April 1, but it wasn't until Opening Day that it began to really bother him. He was taken out in the sixth inning of that game and will likely be rested for a few more days.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Starter Jered Weaver (biceps) threw 62 pitches in a camp game April 1, and he is on track to start April 6 for Class A Rancho Cucamonga. If that start goes well, Weaver would be expected to make his first start of the season April 16.

Oakland Athletics - Starter Esteban Loaiza (shoulder, neck) underwent an MRI April 3 that revealed a slightly bulging disc in his neck, in addition to the spasms he is suffering in his right trapezius. Loaiza will likely be out at least one week longer and will not throw again until April 10. If that goes well, he could make his next start seven to 10 days later... First baseman Dan Johnson (hip) will be re-evaluated this week.

Seattle Mariners - Pitcher Cesar Jimenez (elbow) and reliever Mark Lowe (elbow) both went on the 60-day disabled list.

Texas Rangers - Closer Eric Gagne (elbow) threw 20 pitches April 2, in a minor-league game. He is currently in rehab with Double-A Frisco and is expected to be ready to come off the disabled list April 13.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Atlanta Braves - Starter Lance Cormier (shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 31. Cormier is hopeful he will miss just one start and possibly rejoin the rotation in two weeks... Starter Mike Hampton (oblique) will throw a simulated game April 6, and if all goes well he will begin a rehab stint in the minors the following week. The Braves plan on gradually increasing Hampton's workload until he can throw six innings. Hampton is still targeting a return to the Braves by the second week of May.

Florida Marlins - Reliever Taylor Tankersley (shoulder) threw 25 pitches in a simulated game April 3. Tankersley was slated to throw in a minor-league game April 5, and if that went well he planned to meet with the Marlins' coaching and medical staff to determine if he will be activated sometime over the weekend... Outfielder Jeremy Hermida (knee) was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 23... Starter Josh Johnson (biceps) has thrown off flat ground four times in the past week and is on a light-throwing pattern where he is playing catch every other day. If he's on your waiver wire and you have an empty DL slot, he is worth picking up for later in the season.

New York Mets - Pitcher Dave Williams (neck), starter Pedro Martinez (elbow), reliever Juan Padilla (elbow) and reliever Duaner Sanchez (shoulder) were all placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 23.

Philadelphia Phillies - Starter Freddy Garcia (biceps) threw a bullpen session April 2. Garcia will then make two rehab starts in Florida before joining the Phillies, and he could make his first start around April 15... Catcher/infielder Chris Coste (hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list, as did pitcher Scott Mathieson (elbow) and catcher Ryan Budde (intercostal strain).

Washington Nationals - Shortstop Cristian Guzman (hamstring) was put on the 15-day disabled list April 3. Guzman has a Grade 1 hamstring strain, meaning there is no tear, and the injury was sustained on Opening Day while running to first base... Outfielder Nook Logan (foot) is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a strained left foot. He injured the foot when he jumped into the outfield wall to make a catch April 2.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs - Reliever Kerry Wood (shoulder) is playing catch but has yet to throw from a mound during his rehab program… Starter Rich Hill (finger) is set to make his start Friday, April 6, after battling a blister on his middle finger of his pitching hand… Starter Mark Prior (shoulder) was placed on the disabled list in the minors because of shoulder fatigue.

Cincinnati Reds - Starter Eric Milton (back) threw a 70-pitch simulated game April 3, and he could be ready to come off the disabled list April 7. If that happens, Milton would likely start April 8, when the fifth spot in the Reds' rotation comes up... Reliever Eddie Guardado (elbow) was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list... Outfielder Chris Denorfia (elbow) had Tommy John surgery April 3 and has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, although he is expected to miss the entire season.

Houston Astros - Outfielder Luke Scott (elbow) has been diagnosed with a hyperextended elbow and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. He did not play April 4, and he will be reexamined prior to the team's game April 6.

Milwaukee Brewers - Third baseman Corey Koskie (concussion) went on the 15-day disabled list.

Pittsburgh Pirates - Starter Zach Duke (fingernail) will have his next start pushed back one day because the fingernail on his left middle finger is split. Duke will now start April 8... Pitcher Brad Lincoln (elbow), the club's first-round draft pick in 2006, will miss at least a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery April 2... Reliever John Grabow (elbow) threw a 50-pitch bullpen session April 2 and experienced no pain in his elbow. Grabow was scheduled to throw a live batting practice or simulated game April 5... Second baseman Freddy Sanchez (knee) has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.

St. Louis Cardinals - Third baseman Scott Spiezio (back) missed the April 3 game against the New York Mets due to soreness in his back... Reliever Josh Kinney (arm) had the cast removed from his right arm on March 28 and has begun the lengthy rehab process following elbow surgery last month. He will be in a protective brace for another four weeks... Outfielder Juan Encarnacion (wrist) may be out until at least May. Encarnacion's wrist felt so weak and painful throughout spring training that he was sidelined for a week to receive a cortisone shot. He has also been unable to reach the seats in batting practice and will have to build up strength before he can be considered an option.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

Arizona Diamondbacks - Outfielder Jeff DaVanon (shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day disabled list... Outfielder Scott Hairston (knee) fouled a ball off his left knee in the first inning of an April 5 game and was removed from the lineup.

Colorado Rockies - Starter Brian Lawrence (shoulder) is on the 15-day disabled list, so he can continue to strengthen his surgically repaired shoulder.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Reliever Yhency Brazoban (elbow) could pitch in a minor-league game as soon as next week... Outfielder Jason Repko (hamstring) and pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo (shoulder) have been placed on the 15-day disabled list.

San Diego Padres - Starter Clay Hensley (finger) made his start Thursday despite a blister on his middle finger of his throwing hand.

San Francisco Giants - Infielder/outfielder Mark Sweeney (undisclosed) went on the 15-day disabled list.

Author Bio

Steve Ungrey

Steve Ungrey has been playing fantasy baseball since 1994. An avid baseball nut, he may be one of the only people who starts the spring training countdown immediately after the final out of the World Series. If there's a fantasy baseball or baseball preview magazine for 2003, chances are he has it. A sportswriter at The Grand Rapids Press, Steve has written for KFFL since 2001, concentrating on improving the site's baseball coverage but also helping the site with its unparalleled football coverage.