MLB.com's Corey Brock reports San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jake Peavy (ankle) will miss at least one month because of the right ankle injury he originally suffered in a start May 22. He'll have to wear a cast on it and is expected to be placed on the disabled list Friday, June 12, before the club's contest with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Padres general manager Kevin Towers said they'd know more about how long Peavy will be out in a month, when the cast is removed. The team's ace had been scheduled to face the Angels Saturday, June 13. Reports say he could miss up to 12 weeks with a torn tendon in his ankle.

Luckily, the injury reportedly won't affect his delivery, but that's where the good fortune ends for his owners. You can't drop the Padres ace, but you must keep abreast of his injury status as the season goes along in order to gauge whether or not to drop him if you need a roster spot.

This injury severely hurts the chances of a Peavy trade in 2009. His injury may keep him out past the non-waiver trade deadline, and there is no way he would clear waivers to initiate a swap after July 31.

Young righty Josh Geer will take Peavy's spot in the rotation for now. NL players should watch Geer, who had some success in a brief major league stint last year but hasn't transitioned that success to 2009. Geer doesn't strike out many hitters (4.42 K/9 this year). He isn't worth a pickup yet unless you're desperate. PETCO Park hasn't even helped him so far this year (5.34 ERA in 30 1/3 frames).