Z - MLB Injury Roundup

MLB Injury Roundup

June 22, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Jason Hoffmann

Welcome to KFFL.com's Injury Roundup. Each week, we bring you the latest from around the diamond on key injury issues. Who are the latest players on the disabled list that could affect their team's production, which players may be headed to the disabled list soon and which players may be returning to the fold in the coming days or weeks?

PRIMETIME PLAYERS

Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez (knee) took batting practice and fielded ground balls Tuesday, June 19, and is set to come off the disabled list Friday, June 22.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Curt Schilling (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, June 20, despite an MRI showing no major problems with his right shoulder. Schilling had received a cortisone shot Tuesday, June 19 and told a local radio station that he hadn't been feeling right all year.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada (wrist) has been diagnosed with a fractured left wrist and could miss up to two months of action. While he feels that he can play through the injury, Tejada will likely see his streak of 1,152 consecutive games played come to an end. The injury was suffered when he was hit on the wrist by a pitch Wednesday, June 20. Tejada started Thursday, June 21, but after bunting in the first inning was immediately replaced by a pinch-runner.

Houston Astros closer Brad Lidge (oblique) was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday, June 16, with a pulled oblique muscle on his left side. Lidge can continue working out; however, he must eliminate any "twisty" exercises that could aggravate the strain. He is not expected to be ready to come off the disabled list by Sunday, June 30.

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Jason Schmidt (shoulder) underwent surgery to repair an inflamed bursa, a torn labrum and a frayed biceps tendon Wednesday, June 20. Schmidt is done for the rest of this season.

New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon (abdominal) has been bothered by an abdominal strain and a trip to the 15-day disabled list could be the only way to heal completely. He has been limited at the plate and instructed to avoid taking batting practice.

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson (back) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, June 15, after suffering from a herniated disc in his back. Johnson played catch Wednesday, June 20, and will throw a flat-ground bullpen session Friday, June 22, after which the team will know more on when he can return. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, June 26.

Florida Marlins starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis (forearm) left the team's game Tuesday, June 19, after one inning with tightness in his left forearm. Willis played catch Wednesday, June 20, and will likely have his next start pushed back to Tuesday, June 26, at the earliest. He is not expected to go on the disabled list.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher John Lackey (shoulder) could miss his next start after he felt tightness in his shoulder during his last start Monday, June 18.

Chicago White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome (back) sat out both Tuesday, June 19, and Wednesday, June 20, with a stiff back. Thome will receive treatment on his back Thursday, June 21, and could return Friday, June 22.

Detroit Tigers starter Kenny Rogers (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Monday, June 18, and is set to rejoin the rotation Friday, June 22

Detroit Tigers shortstop Carlos Guillen (hamstring) was able to return to the lineup Friday, June 15 after sitting out three games.

Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira (quad) has only been able to rehab in a pool so far and is not expected to return before the All-Star break.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter (elbow) threw around 50 pitches, with no curveballs, in a bullpen session Wednesday, June 20. Carpenter reported feeling "normal" during the session. He is tentatively scheduled to throw around 70 pitches in another session Saturday, June 23.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher John Smoltz (shoulder) was able to make his start Saturday, June 16, after missing his start Sunday, June 10.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (shoulder) still felt pain in his shoulder while throwing Sunday, June 17, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, June 19, with a right shoulder strain.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays second baseman B.J. Upton (quadriceps) is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Sunday, June 24, but the team does not expect him to be ready by then. Upton will need a brief rehab assignment and will return afterward.

Oakland Athletics pitcher Rich Harden (shoulder) threw one inning of relief Wednesday, June 20, for Triple-A Sacramento. In the appearance, Harden allowed one hit and struck out one batter while reaching 93 mph on his fastball. He was activated from the disabled list Thursday, June 21, and will pitch out of the bullpen until he builds the strength in his shoulder up enough to resume starting duties.

Oakland Athletics designated hitter/catcher Mike Piazza (shoulder) has had his rehab with Triple-A Sacramento delayed while he rebuilds his arm strength. Upon his return, the team will want to use Piazza as the backup catcher and need his arm in shape before he can return. Piazza described a recent throwing attempt as "extremely painful."

A third opinion on Oakland Athletics closer Huston Street's (elbow) elbow showed no new damage. Street will remain shut down until the current soreness in his elbow subsides.

AROUND THE DIAMOND

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Baltimore Orioles - Catcher Ramon Hernandez (groin) has been cleared for baseball activities and is expected to return as soon as he is eligible, which could be Friday, June 22... Starter Erik Bedard (hamstring) his start Thursday, June 21 after five innings with a strained left hamstring. After the game, Orioles interim manager Dave Trembley said he didn't believe Bedard's injury was serious enough to require a stint on the disabled list.

Boston Red Sox - Third baseman Mike Lowell (thumb) sat out Wednesday, June 20; however, he is expected to be back in the starting lineup Friday, June 22... Outfielder J.D. Drew (quadriceps) left the team's game Wednesday, June 20, with tightness in his right quadriceps. However, the move was precautionary and was done because the team has a wide margin in the standings and a 7-0 lead in their game at the time of Drew's injury. He is listed as day-to-day... Reliever Brendan Donnelly (forearm) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, June 17. He threw long toss Wednesday, June 20, and is considered ahead of schedule in his rehab... Starter Matt Clement (shoulder) has been throwing off the mound and will meet with manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell at the end of the team's current road trip. There is a chance he could return in September.

New York Yankees - First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz (wrist) began his physical therapy Monday, June 18, to recover from wrist surgery.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Outfielder Rocco Baldelli (hamstring) re-aggravated his strained hamstring during a rehab game Monday, June 18, and will remain at Triple-A... Starter Edwin Jackson (finger) was forced out of his start Monday, June 18, due to a cramp in his right index finger. An ultrasound after the game revealed everything was fine.

Toronto Blue Jays - Catcher Gregg Zaun (thumb) returned behind the plate Friday, June 15, for the first since breaking his thumb Tuesday, April 24... Relief pitcher Brandon League (shoulder, lat) has a 6.75 ERA in three rehab appearances with Triple-A Syracuse. Manager J.P. Ricciardi said League is "getting better," although he might not be any closer to returning. His command is still erratic and his fastball is still in the low 90s.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Chicago White Sox - Outfielder Jerry Owens was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte Wednesday, June 20, clearing room for outfielder Darin Erstad (ankle) come off the disabled list in time for the team's game Friday, June 22... Outfielder Scott Podsednik's (groin) rehab with Triple-A Charlotte is scheduled to come to an end Monday, June 25, and he could be activated off the disabled list after that... Catcher Toby Hall (flu) left the team's game Wednesday, June 20, after just four innings with flu-like symptoms.

Cleveland Indians - Reliever Cliff Politte (rotator cuff) has experienced soreness in his right shoulder and is not expected to throw for another 10-14 days... Starter Jake Westbrook (abdominal) made his final rehab appearance Monday, June 18, allowing two runs (one earned) over four innings. He is set to rejoin the starting rotation Sunday, June 24... Outfielder David Dellucci (hamstring) strained his hamstring sliding into first base Wednesday, June 20, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Detroit Tigers - Catcher Vance Wilson (elbow) underwent elbow ligament-replacement surgery Wednesday, June 13, and will be out nine to 12 months. A best-case scenario has him returning sometime next March... Starter Nate Robertson (arm) tossed six no-hit innings during a rehab start for Double-A Erie Thursday, June 21. If he comes through that okay, he could rejoin the rotation next week...Catcher Ivan Rodriguez (hamstring) left the team's game Wednesday, June 20, in the fourth inning with hamstring spasms, but he is confident he will be able to play Friday, June 22... Pitcher Zach Miner (shoulder) threw a 10-minute bullpen session Sunday, June 17, and made a rehab appearance with Double-A Erie Tuesday, June 19. He is expected back next week... Second basemen Placido Polanco (flu) missed a game Thursday, June 14, due to the flu but returned the next day.

Kansas City Royals - Designated hitter Mike Sweeney (knee) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right knee injury... Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek (knee) underwent surgery Friday, June 15, to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. There is no timetable for his return... First baseman Ross Gload (quadriceps) has been taking batting practice every day and could begin running soon. The team is hoping he will return just after the All-Star break... First baseman Ryan Shealy (foot) is day-to-day due to a foot strain... Starting pitcher Scott Elarton (foot) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, June 20... Reliever John Bale (shoulder) will begin throwing bullpen sessions this weekend.

Minnesota Twins - Outfielder Torii Hunter (hand) was hit by a pitch on his hand Sunday, June 17; however, he was able to return to the starting lineup the next day... Outfielder Josh Rabe (shoulder) underwent arthroscopic surgery Thursday, June 14, to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He will miss the rest of the season... Outfielder Rondell White (calf) was able to play in a five-inning scrimmage Friday, June 15, but he was shutdown after suffering from soreness the next day.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Outfielder Garret Anderson (hip) was placed on the 15-day disabled list after re-aggravating a previous hip injury... Designated hitter Casey Kotchman (concussion) suffered a concussion Saturday, June 16, although he has begun riding an exercise bike and plans to take batting and fielding practice Friday, June 22. He could return Saturday, June 23, or Sunday, June 24... Starter Jered Weaver (shoulder) will miss his next start Friday, June 22, with shoulder tightness, although he should be able to start next week... Justin Speier (stomach) continues to build stamina in Arizona, but he likely won't be back until after the All-Star break... Outfielder Juan Rivera (leg) has been cleared to resume batting practice.

Oakland Athletics - Outfielder Shannon Stewart (foot) was out Tuesday, June 19, however, manager Bob Geren said Stewart's foot was fine... Outfielder Milton Bradley (calf) was activated off the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, June 20, and designated for assignment... Relief pitcher Justin Duchscherer (hip) is throwing long toss and could be throwing off the mound soon. However, if he is unable to throw off the mound, there is a chance he will need surgery to fix the problem because rest, exercise and stretching might not work. Surgery would knock him out for the rest of the season.

Seattle Mariners - Third baseman Adrian Beltre (thumb) returned to the starting lineup Tuesday, June 19 after missing five games... Starter Horacio Ramirez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, June 19... Reliever Mark Lowe (elbow) was scheduled for a bullpen session Wednesday, June 20, and could throw a simulated game a few days after that if it goes well. Lowe could then begin a rehab assignment next week.

Texas Rangers - Starter Brandon McCarthy (finger) reported no problems after throwing a bullpen session Thursday, June 21, and will likely need at least two rehab starts before coming off the disabled list... Pitcher Josh Rupe (elbow) was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma and put on the 60-day disabled list with a sore elbow.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Atlanta Braves - Third baseman Chipper Jones (groin) left the team's game Wednesday, June 20, early with a sore groin. He is considered day-to-day... Pitcher Lance Cormier (arm) made his first rehab start for Triple-A Richmond Wednesday, June 20, since he was placed on the disabled list Saturday, June 9. Cormier allowed three runs on three hits in three innings.

Florida Marlins - First baseman Mike Jacobs (thumb) begin a rehab assignment with Class A Jupiter Monday, June 18, and is looking good to rejoin the team Friday, June 22... Starter Josh Johnson (biceps) was activated off the disabled list Monday, June 18, and started later that day... Starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (elbow) has continued throwing lightly and will not return until after the All-Star break... Starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (shoulder) will undergo arthroscopic surgery Thursday, June 21, and will miss the remainder of the season... Reliever Henry Owens (shoulder) will begin throwing in the next few days and it is possible he will return before the All-Star break... Pitcher Logan Kensing (elbow) has begun throwing in extended spring training games and the team is encouraged that his velocity has already reached 93 mph.

New York Mets - Outfielder Lastings Milledge (foot) has begun working out in Florida and could begin a rehab assignment soon... Outfielder Carlos Beltran (quadriceps) continues to have his quadriceps injury played down. Manager Willie Randolph said the injury was just the usual soreness a lot of players experience during a season.

Philadelphia Phillies - Reliever Francisco Rosario (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, June 17... Reliever Brett Myers (shoulder) threw a side session Monday, June 18... Closer Tom Gordon (shoulder) threw a 32-pitch bullpen session Monday, June 18... Starter Jon Lieber (ankle) left his start Wednesday, June 20, early after hurting his ankle while backing up home plate. Lieber had the ankle checked out and the injury turned out to be largely muscular, like a cramp, according to Lieber. With off-days coming up, the team could keep Lieber out until Friday, June 29.

Washington Nationals - Outfielder Alex Escobar (shoulder, ankle) sprained his right ankle during his rehab assignment and will be sidelined for two weeks, although he can still throw... Starter Mike O'Connor (elbow) was activated off the 60-day disabled list Monday, June 18, and optioned to Double-A Harrisburg... Starter Jason Bergmann (elbow) made his final rehab start for Triple-A Columbus Wednesday, June 20, allowing three hits and one run in four innings. He is set to return Tuesday, June 26... Reliever Luis Ayala (elbow) was activated off the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, June 20... Infielder Robert Fick (personal) was placed on the bereavement list... Starter John Patterson (elbow) is scheduled to work four innings or 65 pitches in a start for Class A Potomac Thursday, June 21.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs - Catcher Henry Blanco (neck, arm) continues to rest at home before he will be able to continue his rehab... Reliever Angel Guzman (elbow) is still unable to throw... Starting pitcher Wade Miller (shoulder) has rejoined the team after spending time with a physical therapist. Miller, whose shoulder was too tight, is aiming to throw a bullpen session this weekend... First basemen Daryle Ward (hip) was activated off the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, June 19.

Cincinnati Reds - Outfielder Ryan Freel (neck, head) is free of headaches and dizziness and has been cleared to resume light activities, such as riding the stationary bike. There is still no timetable for his return... Pitcher Bill Bray (shoulder) threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday, June 17... Relief pitcher Eddie Guardado (elbow, back) experienced stiffness in his back Tuesday, June 18, during at outing with Triple-A Louisville. He could return to the team as early as Friday, June 22, although he might not be available right away because of the back stiffness... Second baseman Brandon Phillips (hand) was hit on the hand by a pitch Sunday, June 17, and forced to leave the game. However, precautionary X-rays came back negative and he was able to start the team's next game.

Houston Astros - Outfielder Luke Scott (abdominal) returned as a pinch-hitter Thursday, June 14, and was back in the starting lineup Friday, June 15... Starter Brandon Backe (elbow) was scheduled to throw 40 pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday, June 20... Infielder Mark Loretta (back) was scheduled to start at shortstop Wednesday, June 20, but was unable because of back stiffness. Loretta instead served as the team's designated hitter... Relief pitcher Rick White (neck) was activated off the 15-day disabled list Sunday, June 17.

Milwaukee Brewers - Starting pitcher Chris Capuano (groin) played catch on flat ground Wednesday, June 20. He is scheduled to throw off the mound Friday, June 22, and will follow that up with a simulated game. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday, June 24, but a decision is not expected until later in the week... Second baseman Rickie Weeks (wrist) was activated off the 15-day disabled list Monday, June 18... Relief pitcher Elmer Dessens (shoulder) had a simulated game Saturday, June 16, cut short due to soreness in his shoulder. He was scheduled to see a doctor Monday, June 18... Shortstop J.J. Hardy (hip) left the team's game Wednesday, June 20, early with soreness in his hip.

Pittsburgh Pirates - Outfielder Chris Duffy (hamstring) participated in running drills Wednesday, June 20. However, his hamstring is still too sore when he runs straight forward. He has not been in the starting lineup for five straight games, although he was available as a pinch-hitter... Starting pitcher Sean Burnett (elbow) rejoined Triple-A Indianapolis' starting rotation Monday, June 18, after being shut down for nearly three weeks... Starting pitcher Ian Snell (finger) missed his start Tuesday, June 19, due to a blister on his right index finger. He is expected to start Saturday, June 23.

St. Louis Cardinals - Starting pitcher Mark Mulder (shoulder) threw off the mound Wednesday, June 20... Catcher Yadier Molina (wrist) played a light game of catch Tuesday, June 19, and had no discomfort in his fractured left wrist... Starter Braden Looper (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with tightness in his right shoulder... Outfielder Jim Edmonds (hamstring) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore left hamstring. He could remain inactive through the All-Star break... Shortstop David Eckstein (back) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, June 16.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

Arizona Diamondbacks - Aside from Johnson (listed above), there are no major injuries to report.

Colorado Rockies - There are no major injuries to report.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Reliever Yhency Brazoban (shoulder) will undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery and it is uncertain if he will return this season... Reliever Chin-hui Tsao (shoulder) threw at around 85-90 percent in a bullpen session Wednesday, June 20, using all of his pitches. Tsao is expected to throw two more bullpen sessions before beginning a rehab assignment... Second baseman Marlon Anderson (elbow) was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas Monday, June 18... First baseman James Loney (knee) bruised his right knee after crashing into a scoreboard Sunday, June 17. He participated in pre-game throwing and batting practice Wednesday, June 20, and was available to play the following day... Shortstop Ramon Martinez (back) is close to resuming workouts and could rejoin the team next week... Catcher Russell Martin (back) missed the team's game Sunday, June 17, with a stiff back. He was able to play in their next game against the Blue Jays.

San Diego Padres - Outfielder Brian Giles (knee) will increase his workload and the team is expecting him to come off the disabled list soon and begin a rehab assignment... Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (back) left in the fourth inning of the team's game Thursday, June 14, after injuring himself while swinging. He returned to hitting in the batting cage and was back in the starting lineup Thursday, June 21.

San Francisco Giants - Infielder Rich Aurilia (neck) was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday, June 17... Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo (knee) was scheduled for knee surgery Tuesday, June 19, to repair the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He will likely miss six to eight weeks. The team has transferred him to the 60-day disabled list... Starter Russ Ortiz (forearm) has been scheduled to play catch from a distance of 45 feet Friday, June 22... Catcher Bengie Molina (hand) was out Tuesday, June 19, after suffering from swelling in his hand. Molina returned Wednesday, June 20, and hit a grand slam.

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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.