Impact Analysis: Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays

June 6, 2008 @ 13:22:52

By Eric Lemon
Edited by Herija C. Green

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena (finger) is set to sit for the next two to six weeks while healing from a fractured index finger on his left hand. He sustained the injury Tuesday, June 3, against the Boston Red Sox when starting pitcher Justin Masterson struck Pena in the hand with a pitch in the first inning. Pena remained in the game to collect a double and his 11th home run of the season. However, the team elected to place Pena on the disabled list Wednesday, June 4, rather than risking further injury by having him attempt to play through it.

Background

Pena has had his ups and downs in his last seven seasons bouncing back and forth between the minors and majors. When the Rays brought in Pena in 2007, they took a shot on a player that could not only handle fielding duties well but had also shown some power on offense. Well, Pena really found his power stroke in Tampa Bay, hitting 46 home runs with 121 RBIs. His huge season earned him team MVP honors along with the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award. He was also rewarded with a $24.125 million dollar contract that runs through the 2010 season.

This is the sixth franchise Pena has played for, and he has high hopes about being in Florida. "It's awesome," Pena said after signing his new contract. "It's extremely exciting. I get to be in a place I absolutely love, around people that I love and people that I know care about me. It couldn't be any better. I'm pumped."

Early returns

Bringing back Pena has worked out so far for the Rays. Despite a poor .227 average, Pena once again leads the team in home runs (11) and RBIs (35). His contributions have helped the Rays jump to second place in the AL East with a record of 35-25 through June 5. 

However, despite being a contributor in dingers and RBIs, Pena has been weighed down by 71 strikeouts; he has already reached the halfway point of his 2007 total.

The injury

Pena's first thought was to go about business as usual. However, after experiencing considerable swelling overnight he sought medical advice from team doctors. It was then decided that rest was the best course of action instead of risking making the injury worse.

Rays manager Joe Maddon is aware of Pena's eagerness to return, but he likely will wait and decide on the best recovery plan before getting Pena back in the lineup. A fracture usually takes four to six weeks to heal, though the team is set to reevaluate him in two. Pena is expected to be out for the rest of June but could see some playing time before the All-Star break.

Fantasy baseball outlook

The Rays recalled outfielder Justin Ruggiano from Triple-A Durham to take Pena's spot on the roster. Ruggiano has hit well at Durham with a .323 average, five home runs and 27 RBIs in 127 at-bats. Look for him to see time against left-handed pitching with outfielder Gabe Gross seeing most of the at-bats versus righties. Both should have increased value, but neither is worth owning outside of AL-only leagues.

Utilityman Eric Hinske should shift from right field and take over as the primary first baseman while Pena heals. Hinske should be a decent replacement as he is hitting .250 with just one less home run (10) than Pena on the season. Hinske's numbers are almost a mirror image of Pena's, so adding Hinske in deeper mixed leagues shouldn't be a bad choice until Pena returns.

Those looking for other short-term replacement options can consider Florida Marlins third baseman Jorge Cantu (.269-8-30), who should have first base eligibility, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Lyle Overbay (.278-5-24) and Baltimore Orioles first baseman Kevin Millar (.244-10-30).

As for Pena, he is off to a slow start, but his power potential is too high to cut him loose just yet. Keep him on your disabled list and wait patiently.

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