Z - MLB Injury Roundup

Fantasy Baseball: Injury Roundup

May 9, 2008 @ 12:12:51

By Bryce McRae and Alan Knopf, M.D.
Edited by Herija C. Green and Cory J. Bonini

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

Cleveland Indians catcher Victor Martinez (neck) was scratched from the starting lineup Tuesday, May 6, due to a stiff neck, though he returned as a designated hitter the following day. He received treatment on his neck Thursday, May 8, but did not show much improvement and was out of the lineup. The team is unsure if he will return May 9. Catcher Kelly Shoppach has been filling in for him behind the plate.

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada (shoulder) took batting practice for the first time in more than a week Friday, May 9 - 28 swings right-handed and 26 left-handed - and could start doing some light throwing early next week. He likely will miss at least one more month.

Others of Note

Washington Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca (hand) broke the fourth metacarpal bone in his hand Wednesday, May 7, and will be out four to six weeks. The team placed him on the 15-day disabled list May 9.... Nationals catcher Johnny Estrada (elbow) has also been put on the 15-day disabled list. He is suffering from ulnar neuritis in his right elbow and has not played since April 30. The injury is a result of lingering pain from the surgery he had last winter. There is no timetable for his return. Catcher Jesus Flores has been called up and is expected to take over the everyday catching role.

First Basemen

Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman (hip) has been bothered by a sore hip and said Tuesday, May 6, that he would refrain from stealing any bases for the next few days.

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Conor Jackson (eye) was knocked out of the team's game Wednesday, May 7, after colliding with Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino. Jackson sat out the following day but was still available for pinch-hitting duties. He is set to return to the lineup May 9.

Florida Marlins first baseman Mike Jacobs (quadriceps) tweaked his left quadriceps in the third inning Wednesday, May 7, and was out of the lineup the next day, though he was available to pinch-hit. He could return as early as Friday, May 9.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (knee) bruised his knee on a game-winning slide May 5 but said it was feeling better May 7. Pujols, who has appeared in every game this year, could get a day off in the team's upcoming eight-game road trip.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman Casey Kotchman (groin) was held out of the lineup Wednesday, May 7, to allow him two days of rest after Kotchman felt tightness in his groin. He should be back in the lineup Friday, May 9.

Second Basemen

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (calf) left early Wednesday, May 7, due to a bruised left calf. There has been no further update on his condition, though it is not believed to be serious.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim second Howie Kendrick (hamstring) is still being bothered by his strained left hamstring and did not play Wednesday, May 7, or Thursday, May 8, during his rehab stint. The team is still hoping he will be available to return sometime next week.

Others of Note

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson (hamstring) was absent from the lineup Thursday, May 8, though he was available to pinch-hit. He is expected to be available to pinch-hit May 9 and could return to the starting lineup over the weekend.

Third Basemen

Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez (wrist) missed three games during the team's recent road trip due to a bruised wrist after he was struck by a pitch. He returned to the lineup Wednesday, May 6.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim third baseman Chone Figgins (hamstring) has not been cleared to begin testing his strained right hamstring and will not try running until May 9 at the earliest. It is doubtful he will return during the team's weekend series.

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (quadriceps) headed to Tampa, Fla., this week where he is continuing his rehab. He was able to take 57 swings in batting practice and field 37 grounders Friday, May 9. The team has stated Rodriguez will undergo a second MRI before playing in any rehab games. The team has ruled out bringing Rodriguez back early as a designated hitter.

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Nomar Garciaparra (calf) returned to baseball activities May 5, taking batting practice and playing catch. He is not ready to start running, but the pain he feels when he walks is gone. He likely will need a rehab assignment before returning, though it is not certain when that will be.

Others of Note

Chicago White Sox third baseman Josh Fields (knee) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with Triple-A Charlotte due to right patella tendonitis. There is no timetable for his return.... Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez (back) has been taking batting practice and fielding ground balls, but he does not expect to be activated from the 60-day disabled list when he is eligible May 27.... Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Chad Tracy (knee) has started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tucson. He played Tuesday, May 6, and Wednesday, May 7, before taking a regularly scheduled day off May 8. The team would like him to get 40 at-bats before returning.

Shortstops

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal (back) missed the team's last two games due to tightness in his lower back this week and has not returned to the starting lineup. However, his back is improving, and he could return Friday, May 9.

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins (ankle) is set to rejoin the team May 9; however, there is no guarantee he will come off the disabled list that day. He will test his ankle Friday, but if he is not ready he may not be activated until Tuesday, May 13, when the team returns home.

Texas Rangers shortstop Michael Young (hip) left early Wednesday, May 7, due to a left hip flexor injury. He did not play the following day but is expected to return Friday, May 9.

Others of Note

San Francisco Giants shortstop Omar Vizquel (knee) could return from the disabled list as early as Friday, May 9, though he is not expected to play every day right away.

Outfielders

There were no major injuries of note.

Others of Note

Florida Marlins outfielder Josh Willingham (back) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained lower back. The move was made retroactive to April 28. The team is hopeful he will able to return May 13, which is the first day he is eligible.... Washington Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes (hamstring) has been rehabbing with Triple-A Columbus and was activated from the disabled list Friday, May 9. He has gone 5-for-21 (.238) with four RBIs for Columbus.... Kansas City Royals outfielder Jose Guillen (shoulder) suffered a stinger Wednesday, May 7, and did not play the next day. He should return to the lineup over the weekend.

Designated Hitters

There were no major injuries of note.

Starting Pitchers

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher John Lackey (triceps) threw 68 pitches over four innings for Class A Rancho Cucamonga Sunday, May 4, and is scheduled to take what could be his final rehab start May 9. If everything goes smoothly, Lackey could return to the Angels rotation May 14.

New York Mets starting pitcher Pedro Martinez (hamstring) threw a side session May 6 and is slated to throw another one Friday, May 9. He could face live hitters in the Friday side session. The team will then wait to see how he feels after the session before deciding on his next step.

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Harden (shoulder) is set to return from the disabled list May 11 and will replace pitcher Chad Gaudin in the starting rotation according to manager Bob Geren. Harden dominated during his final rehab start, striking out nine batters over six shutout innings for Class A Stockton.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jason Schmidt (shoulder) threw a bullpen session May 7 - one day after being scratched from a simulated game. Schmidt threw 36 pitches and will take his next step in something game-related May 11. It is not sure when he will return from the disabled list.

Others of Note

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Doug Davis (cancer) learned his thyroid cancer has not spread, and he could be cancer free soon. Davis underwent a nuclear CT scan May 8, which revealed the news to him. He will continue taking radiation iodine pills. Davis is scheduled to make a rehab start for Triple-A Tucson May 10 and follow with another start May 15. If there are no setbacks he could return to the majors around May 20.... Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Adam Loewen (elbow) is set to report to the team's minor league complex and begin a throwing program after no damage was found in his sore left elbow. He will likely remain in Florida for two to three weeks and could return to the Orioles rotation in late May or early June.... Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Curt Schilling (shoulder) completed his second side session May 8 and is expected to throw another session May 10. Schilling continues to throw off of flat ground and it not known when he will begin throwing off of a mound again. There is no timetable for his return.... Detroit Tigers starter Dontrelle Willis (knee) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this weekend after he tweaked his knee during a rehab start May 4. The team is not sure when he will return.... Houston Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (groin) threw a bullpen session May 8 and is slated to throw another one May 10. If there are no setbacks he could throw in a simulated game sometime next week and begin a rehab assignment soon thereafter. There is no definite timetable for his return.... Minnesota Twins starter Scott Baker (groin) suffered a mild groin strain for the second straight start May 3. An MRI did not reveal any major problems, but he still landed on the 15-day disabled list.... New York Yankees starter Phil Hughes (ribcage) hopes to begin riding a stationary bike in around a week and begin working out on a treadmill. It is expected to take him at least one month before he is back to full speed and is unlikely he will return before July.... Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Tom Gorzelanny (back) missed his last turn in the rotation after skipping a bullpen session to rest a balky back. He is expected to make his next start Saturday, May 10.... St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Mark Mulder (shoulder) has been sidelined with a mild rotator cuff strain. He was scheduled to pitch May 10 for Triple-A Memphis but will now wait at least a week to 10 days before being reevaluated.

Relief Pitchers

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Rafael Soriano (elbow) underwent an MRI on his elbow that revealed no tears or structural damage. Soriano can now resume his throwing program, but there is no timetable for his return.

Cleveland Indians closer Joe Borowski (triceps) threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday, May 8, and reported feeling no ill effects. Borowski said his arm is feeling significantly better, but he most likely will need four more bullpen sessions. His next session is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, and he is expected to throw every other day from then on. Following the bullpen sessions, his next step would be a simulated game before a short rehab assignment. He could return in a couple of weeks.

Others of Note

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez (elbow) suffered a minor setback this week, though he is still expected to return late in the month. The setback was tightness in his elbow, which usually occurs with players returning from Tommy John surgery. The team hopes he can begin a rehab assignment soon.

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.

Scott Baker | Starting Pitcher | Minnesota Twins | Strained Groin | Status: Placed on 15- DL

A groin strain is similar to any other type of muscle strain, but it occurs when the muscles of the inner thigh (the adductors) are stretched beyond their limits. This can result in small muscle tears that cause pain and swelling. An acute groin pull can be quite painful, depending on the severity of the injury. Groin pulls are usually graded as follows:

Grade I Strain: Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually does not limit activity.

Grade II Strain: Moderate discomfort, can limit ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated.

Grade III Strain: Severe injury that can cause pain with walking. Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling and significant bruising.

Mild groin pull, or a Grade 1, strain takes two to three weeks to heal. A Grade 2 takes three to six weeks to heal, and Grade 3 takes three months to heal. I would assume Baker could resume pitching with full effectiveness at four weeks without any further difficulty.

Orlando Hudson | Second Baseman | Arizona Diamondbacks | Strained Hamstring | Status: Expected to miss 5-10 days but avoid disabled list

Hamstring injuries are common problems that may result in significant loss of on-field time for many athletes because these injuries tend to heal slowly. Once injury occurs, the patient is at high risk for recurrence without proper rest and rehabilitation. The hamstring muscles are three muscles in the posterior thigh, the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. The muscles originate from the pelvic girdle to below the knee joint. They function to extend the hip and flex the knee at the same time.

Grade I Strain: Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually does not limit activity.

Grade II Strain: Moderate discomfort, can limit ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated.

Grade III Strain: Severe injury that can cause pain with walking. Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling and significant bruising.

When a confirmation or grading of a hamstring strain is necessary, MRI is the most sensitive test used when considering the diagnosis of hamstring strain.

A "little bit" of a strain would be considered a mild, or Grade 1. This would mean that running should be avoided for two to three weeks. Hudson may resume batting in five to 10 days, again avoiding undue stress on the affected hamstring. Since he is an elite athlete, I would rest him until the pain is absent in the leg during a stretch rehab.

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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.