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Fantasy Baseball: Injury Roundup

May 16, 2008 @ 11:05:49

By Bryce McRae and Alan Knopf, M.D.
Edited by Herija C. Green and Nicholas Minnix

Injuries can ruin a fantasy season. Each week, KFFL.com surveys the latest key injuries around the diamond. Who might be headed to the disabled list? Which players might benefit from the available playing time? Who may be returning to the fold soon? Find out in this edition of Injury Roundup.

Catchers

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada (shoulder) threw from as far as 75 feet Thursday, May 15, with better velocity. According to manager Joe Girardi, Posada is "going in the right direction" and could return in early June.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit (thumb) fractured his left thumb Tuesday, May 13, and will not participate in any baseball-related activities for at least four weeks. Doumit will avoid surgery on his thumb, but he could miss considerably more than four weeks after he gets in some rehab work. Catcher Ronny Paulino is set to take over as the team's everyday catcher, a role in which he served the past two seasons.

Others of Note

Baltimore Orioles catcher Ramon Hernandez (wrist) was scratched from the starting lineup Wednesday, May 14, after feeling continued discomfort in his left wrist after batting practice. Hernandez has not played since May 9 and appears unlikely to appear in this weekend's series with the Washington Nationals. The team is not sure when he will return.

First Basemen

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Conor Jackson (hamstring) was not in the starting lineup Thursday, May 15, due to a sore hamstring. He is expected to return May 16.

Atlanta Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira (back) returned to the team's lineup May 14 after missing two games with back spasms.

Florida Marlins first baseman Mike Jacobs (quadriceps) has been off resting a tight left quadriceps; however, there is a good chance he will return to the starting lineup by Saturday, May 17. He came on as a pinch-hitter in games May 13 and May 14 but has not started since May 7.

Others of Note

Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson (wrist) tore the tendon sheath in his right wrist May 13 and will miss four to six weeks. He has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. His spot on the roster will be taken by first baseman Dmitri Young (back). Young has been on the DL since April 3 but is set to be activated Friday, May 16.

Second Basemen

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim second baseman Howie Kendrick (hamstring) tested his hamstring in a pre-game workout May 15 that included agility drills and running. Kendrick will need to go on a rehab assignment before returning, which is not expected to happen this weekend. It is not sure when he will be ready to return.

Others of Note

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson (hamstring) returned to the starting lineup Tuesday, May 13, after missing six consecutive games with a hamstring injury.... New York Mets second baseman Luis Castillo (quadriceps) returned May 15 after missing three games with a strained left quadriceps. He went 2-for-2 with a walk in his return.... Oakland Athletics second baseman Mark Ellis (hamstring) is still day-to-day with a strained left hamstring, though he might not be ready to start this weekend. With the Athletics lacking a true backup infielder, Ellis could be available in a substitute situation. He has not played since May 11.

Third Basemen

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones (groin) sat out Thursday, May 15, due to a sore groin; however, he the team hopes to have him back in the lineup May 16.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim third baseman Chone Figgins (hamstring) did some agility drills and running as part of a pre-game workout May 15. It is not known if he will go on a rehab assignment, though Figgins is eligible to return Tuesday, May 20.

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Nomar Garciaparra (calf) has been taking ground balls at shortstop and could start there when he returns from the disabled list, at least until shortstop Rafael Furcal (back) returns. However, Garciaparra is still feeling discomfort in his left calf and has yet to begin a rehab assignment. There is still no firm date for his return.

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (quadriceps) pushed his strained right quadriceps at an estimated 95 percent while running the bases May 15. A-Rod is scheduled to play in rehab games beginning May 17. If everything goes smoothly, Rodriguez could return May 20.

Others of Note

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora (shoulder) received a second cortisone injection in his right shoulder but still missed his second straight game May 14. His shoulder has been bothering him since spring training, and it is not sure if he will return this weekend.... Houston Astros third baseman Ty Wigginton (ribcage) is expected to return to the starting lineup May 16 after missing three games with a ribcage injury.... Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Blake DeWitt (back) sat out May 15, due to lower back pain. It is unknown if he will return Friday, May 16.... Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez (back) went 0-for-4 with one strikeout in his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Sacramento May 15. He started at designated hitter and could play third base by May 18. He is expected to spend three weeks with Sacramento before a possible return.... Texas Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock (hamstring) was scheduled to participate in a rehab game with Double-A Frisco Thursday, May 15, but he was forced to withdraw from the game after feeling tightness in his injured left hamstring. He is set to be evaluated May 16 and his status is unknown for the team's weekend series.

Shortstops

Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (quadriceps) has felt no pain after beginning strengthening exercises on his torn right quadriceps. He is still a couple months from returning based off previous estimates.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal (back) landed on the 15-day disabled list Monday, May 12, due to a lower back strain. He has received one cortisone injection in his back. The placement was retroactive to May 6, making his eligible return May 21; however, the team is unsure if he will be ready to return then.

Others of Note

Boston Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo (concussion) was set to have his head examined May 15 by specialists after missing five games. He is not expected to land on the disabled list, but the team is not sure when he will return.... Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jeff Keppinger (kneecap) will be sidelined four to six weeks after suffering a broken left kneecap Tuesday, May 13.

Outfielders

Florida Marlins outfielder Josh Willingham (back) aggravated his back injury taking batting practice Monday, May 12, and could seek a second doctor's opinion. A best-case scenario has Willingham returning late this month or early in June, while the worst-case option would be surgery.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Jose Guillen (hip) has played the last five games as the team's designated hitter because of a hip flexor but could be back starting in left field May 16. Guillen's hip injury limits him when he runs but not during his swing.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells (wrist, hamstring) was placed on the disabled list after he broke his left wrist May 9. Wells' injury has forced outfielder Alex Rios to move to center with outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench taking over in right. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

Others of Note

Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp (illness) is battling nausea and migraine headaches and was unable to play May 16. It is unknown if he will be available this weekend.... Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew (wrist) remains unavailable due to a hyperextended wrist. He was set to undergo an MRI Thursday, May 15, but felt he would avoid a stint on the disabled list, though there is no return date.... Minnesota Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez (illness) did not start May 15 due to an illness, though he was inserted as a defensive replacement late in the game.... Texas Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley (shoulder) did not play in the team's last two games due to a sore shoulder. He is expected to return May 16.

Designated Hitters

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gary Sheffield (shoulder) returned to the designated hitter spot after five games in left field. He will remain as the team's designated hitter until his throwing is no longer restricted and his shoulder is healed. He likely will be used primarily as a pinch-hitter during interleague play.

Starting Pitchers

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Randy Johnson (hand) suffered a bruise on his left hand when he took a groundball off of it Tuesday, May 13. He is expected to make his next start.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (fingernail) landed on the 15-day disabled list due to a torn fingernail on the middle finger on his throwing hand. Buchholz might have been able to make his next start, but the team felt they needed to make a roster move to bring up another outfielder. He is likely to be ready to return when the 15 days are up, but there is some speculation that he could be sent to Triple-A Pawtucket at that time.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher John Lackey (triceps) allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings in his return from the disabled list Wednesday, May 14.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (knee) underwent surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee May 13 and the results were "outstanding," according to assistant general manager Gord Ash. He was set to begin his rehab May 14 but is likely done for the season.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Scott Baker (groin) was scheduled to throw a bullpen session May 15, and he could begin a rehab assignment soon after if all goes well. Baker likely would throw two more bullpen sessions May 17 and May 19 before pitching in a rehab game May 21 or May 22. The team will not place a return date on Baker until after he pitches in a rehab game.

New York Mets starting pitcher Pedro Martinez (hamstring) threw 55 pitches in simulated game Wednesday, May 14, and the team is hoping to get him on a schedule of throwing every five days. The team has refused to set a timetable for his return, though he could be back as soon as early June.

Others of Note

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Doug Davis (thyroid cancer) threw a lengthy bullpen session May 15 and is slated to pitch for Triple-A Tucson May 18. He could return to the D-backs rotation Friday, May 23.... Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Adam Loewen (elbow) is scheduled to join the team in Florida next week and throw a bullpen session. He does not have a set return date.... Boston Red Sox starter Bartolo Colon (oblique) looked good during a rehab start May 15 after throwing six shutout innings for Triple-A Pawtucket. The Red Sox need a starter for May 20, but Colon remains at least one more rehab start from being promoted.... Red Sox starting pitcher Curt Schilling (shoulder) threw from 60 feet Saturday, May 10. He was hoping to increase the amount of pitches he throws and the distance, but there is still no timetable for his return.... Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Jake Westbrook (ribs) threw a four-inning simulated game May 13 and is scheduled to make a rehab start for Single-A Lake County May 17, though it might be pushed to May 18. He could return to the team after the rehab assignment.... Detroit Tigers left-hander Dontrelle Willis (knee) is scheduled to make his next rehab start for Triple-A Toledo May 17. There is no timetable for his return.... Houston Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (groin) is set to throw a simulated game May 16 and could be cleared for a rehab start if all goes well. It is not sure when he will be ready to come off the disabled list.... Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher Kelvim Escobar (shoulder) has been throwing from 90 feet on flat ground as part of his throwing program. It is not sure when he will return.... Los Angeles Dodgers starter Jason Schmidt (shoulder) threw around 36 pitches in a bullpen session May 14 and is slated to throw a rehab start May 17 for Class A Inland Empire. He does not have a firm return date.... San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mark Prior (shoulder, back) had his right shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews May 15, and the team will wait a few days before making any decisions on his return. It appears doubtful he will return by the beginning of June, which was the team's original target date.... St. Louis Cardinals starter Mark Mulder (shoulder) was slated to throw another bullpen session May 15, and a minor league rehab assignment could be in the near future. However, there is still no timetable for his return.... Texas Rangers starter Kevin Millwood (groin) landed on the disabled list with a strained right groin. It is not sure how much time he will miss.

Relief Pitchers

Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz (shoulder) threw 25 "easy throws" May 15 and is expected to throw all his pitches in a longer bullpen session Saturday, May 17. If that goes well he could begin a rehab assignment next week. There is no projected return date, though Smoltz hopes to return before the end of the month.

Cleveland Indians closer Joe Borowski (triceps) is scheduled to throw a simulated game May 16. He is expected to remain on the disabled list for at least one more week.

Others of Note

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Rafael Soriano (elbow) is expected to face live hitters May 16 or May 17, and he could then begin a short rehab assignment. The team is hopeful he can be activated next week.... Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Chris Ray (elbow) is slated to throw off a mound May 19 for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery. He is then expected to join the team in Florida to throw bullpen sessions. There is no timetable for his return.... St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jason Isringhausen (hand) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, May 16, because of a lacerated right hand. The team has not said how Isringhausen suffered the injury, but reports have surfaced that he may have been injured punching the television in the clubhouse. He was recently demoted from the closer position.

The Fantasy Sports Doc - Expert Analysis - Dr. Alan Knopf's Take

Dr. Alan Knopf has been a clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Implant Service at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He is an attending staff member of the school's County General Hospital - Keck School of Medicine. He specializes in knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and trauma surgery. Dr. Knopf is board certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Board of Arthroscopic Surgery.

For more information regarding Dr. Knopf's work, please click here.

Clay Buchholz | Starting Pitcher | Boston Red Sox | Torn fingernail | Status: Placed on 15-day DL

One of the Red Sox's top pitching prospects, the 23-year-old Buchholz tore the fingernail on the middle finger of his right hand - his pitching hand.

People tend to underestimate the effect of such injuries to pitchers. How could a torn fingernail affect the grip on the ball (his curveball and changeup are his best pitches)? How long does this generally take to heal? Is there any medicine or treatment involved? The team is talking about having him pitch fewer innings when he returns - does this help the healing process? When could he regain full movement on his pitches?

The fingernail injury depends on the degree of separation from its bed (the pink area underneath the nail). This is the blood supply and growth area of the nail.

When the tear occurs there is associated bleeding and pain. If the nail is still partially attached, it may be sutured or glued back into place after it has been cleaned and the bleeding is controlled. A complete nail avulsion (tearing away) may also be replaced as above but will be totally replaced in three to six months by the nail bed.

The nail will have to be protected for two to three weeks until the nail heals to its bed. The pain factor may be aggravated by certain grips on the baseball. This may affect the velocity and the type of pitch thrown.

The effectiveness of a pitcher's grip could be compromised for at least six weeks. Once healed, the effect on the grip is no longer compromised.

Jeff Keppinger | Shortstop | Cincinnati Reds | Broken left kneecap | Status: Placed on 15-day DL

Keppinger fouled a ball off his left kneecap and underwent an MRI Wednesday, May 14, to determine the extent of the damage. Baseball players constantly put pressure on the knees, regardless of position. What's the average recovery time for such an injury? Are there degrees of broken kneecaps?

A fracture of the patella is an injury to the kneecap. The kneecap bone is one of three bones that make up the knee joint. The patella is lined with cartilage on its undersurface and is important in providing strength for extension of the knee joint.

The kneecap is attached on top by the quadriceps muscle and on the bottom to the shin (tibia) by the patella tendon. If the fracture is separated or pulled apart, surgery is the only option. If it is not pulled apart, it will heal on its own with a brace or cast in extension four to six weeks. The muscle will then need to rehab. If surgery is necessary, the season is over for the athlete, as it will take a total of three months to heal and usually requires removal of hardware after the healing occurs.

Ryan Doumit | Catcher | Pittsburgh Pirates | Fractured left thumb | Status: Placed on 15-day DL

Doumit suffered a "slight fracture near the top of the left thumb" while catching a pitch during his last game, and reports are saying he's "sidelined indefinitely."

Like all major league catchers, he throws right-handed, with the left thumb being on his glove hand. What's the difference in rehab time between the various types of fractures? Would it be a quicker recovery for a designated hitter, who wouldn't have to use a glove at all? How would a fractured thumb affect a player's grip on a bat?

The last bone in the fingers and thumb is the distal phalanx. It has an abundant blood supply. This means that it will bleed internally. It will swell and may bleed under the nail bed (subungual hematoma). If it bleeds, the buildup may require drainage to relieve the pressure that could be causing extreme pain.

The bone heals rapidly usually in 10 days to three weeks, but the sensitivity can remain for two months. Therefore, it is not recommended that a player begins catching a baseball for four to six weeks, even with a catcher's glove.

Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

Author Bio

Alan Knopf, M.D.
Dr. Alan Knopf has been a clinical professor of orthopedic reconstructive surgery and joint implant service at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He worked for 30 years at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Los Angeles, where he specialized in knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and trauma surgery. Dr. Knopf is certified in arthroscopic surgery.