Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide

Fantasy Baseball: Infirmary Report

March 14, 2008 @ 06:14:40

By David Wysocki and Bryce McRae
Edited by Tim Heaney and Herija C. Green

The Major League Baseball infirmary report is designed to keep you up-to-speed on all the players that missed the end of last season, had offseason injuries or surgeries or can be historically considered an injury risk. Here is a rundown of what to watch for as the 2008 season approaches.

Catchers

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero (finger) underwent a CT scan on his fractured finger Thursday, March 13, and while the results showed improvement he has not been cleared to resume baseball activities. He is expected to begin the season on the disabled list.

Houston Astros catcher J.R. Towles (hamstring) is expected to miss one week after straining his right hamstring Saturday, March 8.

Washington Nationals catcher Johnny Estrada (elbow) has not been improving after being diagnosed with elbow tendonitis. He has been scheduled to receive a cortisone injection.

Washington Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca (knee) has been able to take batting practice and catch bullpen sessions, setting him up to return to a spring game Saturday, March 15.

First Basemen

Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (toe) did not play in the team's game Wednesday, March 12, due to a sore toe.

Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman (leg) tweaked his left leg while running out a double Monday, March 10, but returned to the lineup Wednesday, March 12.

New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado (hand) played in the team's spring training game Monday, March 10, going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (elbow) will not undergo Tommy John surgery until it is absolutely necessary. Pujols has a high-grade tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, as well as bone spurs, inflammation and arthritis in the joint. The team does not want Pujols to undergo surgery until the ligament is completely torn. So far in spring training, Pujols has hit four home runs and driven in six runs.

Second Basemen

Houston Astros second baseman Kazuo Matsui (anus) is expected to undergo surgery Monday, March 17, to repair an anal fissure, and he'll miss roughly two weeks. Originally Matsui was thought to have hemorrhoids.

New York Mets second baseman Luis Castillo (knee) will wait until Saturday, March 15, to make his spring debut after postponing it from Wednesday, March 12. He is waiting to test his surgically repaired knee.

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) has been limited to designated hitting duties this spring but could make it onto the field sometime during the week of March 17-23.

Third Basemen

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Chad Tracy (knee) is questionable for opening day and will likely begin the season on the disabled list while he rehabs from microfracture surgery. The surgery requires 5-8 months of rehab, typically. He had some complications, including the development of a blood clot in November, but may come off blood thinners Friday, March 15, and could get into game action soon after that.

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Andy LaRoche (hand) tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb Friday, March 7, and underwent surgery. He is expected to be out 8-10 weeks.

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Nomar Garciaparra (wrist) hit in the batting cages Tuesday, March 11, although he is not sure when he will return. He has hit in the wrist by a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals. He will not travel with the team to China for two exhibition games.

Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez (back) had his back examined by doctors Wednesday, March 12, and hopes he will be cleared to travel with the team for their season-opener in Japan, though that appears highly unlikely at this time given the long flight.

Shortstops

Boston Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo (back) could return Saturday, March 15, after missing time due to back soreness.

San Francisco Giants shortstop Omar Vizquel (knee) underwent knee surgery Wednesday, Feb. 27, and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Tampa Bays Rays shortstop Ben Zobrist (thumb) suffered a broken thumb Sunday, March 9, and is expected to miss four weeks.

Outfielders

Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp (groin) has been out with a sore groin and as of Thursday, March 13, it was unsure when he will return.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano (quadriceps, finger) has declared his finger 100 percent after suffering the injury earlier in spring training; however, he still says there is a mental block over pushing his legs at top force stemming from the quadriceps tear he suffered last year.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Jerry Owens (groin) reported feeling some soreness in his groin and remains day-to-day.

Colorado Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe (elbow) aggravated his left elbow Monday, March 10, and is expected to sit out a few games. He remained out through games Thursday, March 13.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun (Achilles') was scratched from the team's game Wednesday, March 12, due to tightness in his right Achilles' tendon. The injury is not considered serious, but he did not play in team's games Thursday, March 13.

New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran (knees) made his first appearance in the outfield since undergoing offseason knee surgery Thursday, March 13. He reported no problems but said he was not ready to play a full nine innings in the field.

New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon (foot) underwent X-rays on his foot and they came back negative. He is considered day-to-day and could get into a game as early as Friday, March 14.

New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui (neck, knee) made his spring debut Sunday, March 9, going hitless but he put the ball in play each time. He also said he felt good while running the bases.

San Diego Padres outfielder Brian Giles (knee) is scheduled to appear in three straight games, beginning Friday, March 14. His debut in right field is expected to come Sunday, March 16. He expects to be ready for opening day.

San Diego Padres outfielder Jim Edmonds (calf) is expected to miss 2-3 weeks due to a strained right calf.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Juan Gonzalez (abdomen) is considered day-to-day after straining his abdomen. The injury is not considered serious, and he should return soon.

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Rocco Baldelli (illness) has been put on the disabled list indefinitely after being diagnosed with a fatigue-related illness. Baldelli reported feeling extremely fatigued after exercising for short periods of time. It is unsure when, or if, he will return.

Texas Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley (knee) could start as the designated hitter as early as Friday, March 14, although it is not sure if he will see any time in the outfield this spring. He has also finally admitted his rehab could carry into the season.

Washington Nationals outfielder Wily Mo Pena (oblique) has a significant tear in his left oblique muscle, an injury he sustained in batting practice Wednesday, March 12. He's expected to miss at least a month, but oblique injuries have a way of lingering longer than expected.

Designated Hitters

Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Aubrey Huff (hernia) returned to the team's starting lineup Wednesday, March 5, going 0-for-2.

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gary Sheffield (shoulder) has had no problems with his shoulder this spring, swinging the bat without any pain. He is still not expected to be completely healthy come opening day and will likely be given a couple exhibition games off to preserve his health.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim designated hitter Casey Kotchman (shin) received stitches in his shin Wednesday, March 12, after cutting his leg open sliding in a game Monday, March 10. He should return Friday, March 15.

Starting Pitchers

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Randy Johnson (back) struggled through his first spring start Monday, March 10, allowing three runs and four hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Hampton (elbow, hamstring) threw a four-inning simulated game Wednesday, March 12, and is set to make his next scheduled start Monday, March 17.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Adam Loewen (shoulder) was scratched from his start Friday, March 13, due to shoulder discomfort.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Troy Patton (shoulder) has an appointment with Dr. Lewis Yocum Monday, March 17, and is expected to undergo surgery Tuesday, March 18, to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He will miss the entire 2008 season.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Curt Schilling (shoulder) has been placed on the 60-day disabled list.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett (back) has been undergoing treatment on his back, although it is still uncertain when he will be able to throw again. Beckett is not expected to make the trip to Japan for the team's season opener.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jason Hirsh (shoulder) has developed right shoulder soreness and is expected to begin the season on the disabled list.

Florida Marlins starting pitcher Sergio Mitre (elbow) has been ordered not to throw the ball for 4-6 weeks, although there is no ligament damage in his right elbow.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher John Lackey (elbow) made his spring debut Monday, March 10, and could still be ready to start the team's opener. Lackey would not have enough time to get five spring starts in, which manager Mike Scioscia would like, but it is possible he could work up to four starts and pitch his fifth on opening day.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jason Schmidt (shoulder) was shut down from throwing at the end of February for three days and will now take an additional day off in between his bullpen sessions.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (knee) threw live batting practice Wednesday, March 12, for the first time since his knee surgery. He is expected to throw a few more sessions before playing in a spring game.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Scott Baker (back) has been progressing slowly from a back injury and could begin the season on the disabled list. Baker felt a twinge near his latissimus dorsi muscle while pitching Saturday, March 8. He completed his second straight day of long tossing without pain Friday, March 14.

New York Mets starting pitcher Orlando Hernandez (foot) faced batters Wednesday, March 12, for the first time this spring and reported having success with his breaking ball.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte (forearm) was scratched from his start Wednesday, March 12, due to inflammation near the elbow of his right forearm. He threw a bullpen session Friday, March 14, and is expected to make his next start.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mark Prior (shoulder) has begun throwing curveballs and is throwing 75-80 mph fastballs every five days. He must still make five starts before he is ready to return.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Noah Lowry (elbow) has been diagnosed with exertional compartment syndrome, which causes pain, swelling and sometimes disability in the affected arm. Lowry underwent surgery and expects to be out until mid-April.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter (elbow) threw 20 pitches off the mound Tuesday, March 11, and will continue to increase the intensity level as he progresses. He was scheduled to throw again Wednesday, March 12, and Friday, March 14. He is still targeting a July return.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matt Clement (shoulder) threw his third live batting practice session Thursday, March 13, facing batters without a protective screen for the first time. It is still not sure when he will make his spring debut.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Joel Pineiro (shoulder) is set to begin a throwing program Friday, March 14, and although he will miss his start Monday, March 17, he is not expected to be out much longer after that.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Mark Mulder (shoulder) is expected to pitch in game conditions by the end of March and remains on track to return to the majors in May.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (elbow) continued his quick recovery from an elbow strain by throwing 33 pitches to hitters Thursday, March 13. Kazmir is scheduled to throw one inning Sunday, March 16, and follow that with three innings his next time out. It is still possible he makes it back for opening day.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (elbow) is expected to be out 4-8 weeks due to elbow inflammation. McCarthy's rehab had also been delayed due to the postponement of a procedure aimed at reducing the swelling in McCarthy's arm. Luckily for the team, McCarthy's ligament was considered clean, and he will avoid Tommy John surgery.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kevin Millwood (hamstring) threw a bullpen session without a problem Wednesday, March 12, and is set to throw in a game Saturday, March 15. He is still scheduled to starting opening day.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (fingernail) has been bothered by a torn fingernail this spring, which has kept him from throwing his curveball. It is believed the nail will have grown enough by next week for him to use a fake fingernail so he can begin throwing his curve.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Shawn Hill (forearm) cut short a bullpen session Friday, March 7, and underwent a cortisone injection. He also received an MRI, which revealed no structural or nerve problems. He has been delayed from throwing for the time being. According to manager Manny Acta, Hill might not start the team's opener, but there is a good chance he will avoid the disabled list.

Relief Pitchers

Atlanta Braves closer Rafael Soriano (elbow) completed a 10-minute bullpen session Tuesday, March 11, and hopes to make his spring debut later in the week.

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Thursday, March 13, and said he felt fine. He is scheduled to play catch Friday, March 14, and will throw another session Friday, March 15. He is not expected to be ready to begin the season.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Takashi Saito (calf) threw 26 pitches in a batting practice session Wednesday, March 12, and has reported feeling no pain in his calf. He is still only 85-90 percent, according to pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, and it is unsure when he will get into a game.

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Salomon Torres (soreness) threw a 10-minute bullpen session Wednesday, March 12, and could pitch in a minor league game Saturday, March 15.

Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge (knee) threw 26 pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday, March 12, and is set to throw batting practice Friday, March 14, or Saturday, March 15. If that works out well, he should be able to throw in a minor league or simulated game next week. He is still unsure whether he will be available for the team's season opener.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher C.J. Wilson (biceps) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, March 12, and is expected to get into a minor league game Saturday, March 15.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (shoulder) threw in a bullpen session Wednesday, March 12, and has been scheduled to throw in a minor league game Saturday, March 15.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Eddie Guardado (knee) left the team's game Wednesday, March 12, because of a strained left knee tendon. Guardado said he will not pitch off the mound for two days but will continue throwing from flat ground.

Toronto Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan (elbow) appeared in a Grapefruit League game Friday, March 14. It was Ryan's first major league outing since April.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Casey Janssen (shoulder) has been declared out for the 2008 season after tearing the labrum in his right shoulder.

Author Bio

David Wysocki

David has been a KFFL writer since 2005. He is a San Diego native and a History and Geography student at California State University-Chico. He has a writing background and has appeared in, and helped produce, various local newsletters and magazines on sports and music. He also pitched for the No. 2 nationally ranked Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns his senior year of high school in 2002.

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.