MLB Injury Roundup
by Nicholas Minnix, KFFL
Thursday April 6, 2006

Welcome to KFFL.com's Injury Round Up. 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?
PRIME-TIME PLAYERS

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (shin) threw 40 pitches in the bullpen Saturday, April 1, and reported no problems. The shin splints no longer appear to be a problem and he should make his first start of the season Friday, April 7.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Ben Sheets (back) is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday, April 6, most likely with Double-A Huntsville. He'll throw around 50 pitches. So far Sheets has experienced no setbacks. The team placed him on the disabled list last week. Starter Doug Davis saw the Opening Day start in his absence and will continue to keep the spot warm until Sheets returns.

Doctors have diagnosed Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne (ear) with an inner and outer ear infection. The doctors prescribed antibiotics and that should have solved the problem. Gagne also dropped the appeal on his suspension dating back to last year, so he'll begin serving the two-gamer immediately. Reliever Danys Baez will take over until Gagne returns.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds (knee), as expected, started in left field on Opening Day.
AROUND THE DIAMOND

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Baltimore Orioles - As expected, the team placed relief pitcher Todd Williams (back) on the 15-day disabled list. Reliever Tim Byrdak could get more innings... The Orioles placed pitcher John Parrish (elbow) on the disabled list while he recovers from left elbow surgery.

Boston Red Sox - The team placed starting pitcher David Wells (knee) on the disabled list because his knee still isn't 100 percent after knee surgery this offseason. The Red Sox won't need a fifth start until the weekend of April 15, but pitcher Jonathan Papelbon could start if needed... First baseman Hee Seop Choi (hamstring) went on the disabled list after he tweaked his hamstring. Infielder Kevin Youkilis will continue to start and first baseman J.T. Snow will remain the backup.

New York Yankees - Starting pitcher Carl Pavano (shoulder), as expected, began the season on the 15-day disabled list. Pitcher Jaret Wright will serve as the team's fifth starter, if needed... The team placed pitcher Aaron Small (hamstring) on the disabled list. Reliever Scott Proctor is available out of the bullpen until his return ... New York placed reliever Octavio Dotel (elbow) on the disabled list, and the team hopes to have him back by the end of May.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Infielder Julio Lugo (abdominal) strained his abdominal muscle in the third inning of the team's opener. He's listed as day-to-day. Infielder Nick Green is likely to see increased at-bats if Lugo is absent from the lineup... Infielder Luis Ordaz (knee), after replacing Lugo Monday, April 3, suffered a bruise under his left kneecap. The Devil Rays placed him on the disabled list Tuesday and recalled infielder Russell Branyan... As expected, the Devil Rays placed outfielder Rocco Baldelli (hamstring) on the disabled list. Outfielder Damon Hollins should see more time... Tampa Bay placed relief pitcher Shinji Mori (shoulder) on the 60-day disabled list, and he'll probably miss the entire season. After the demotion of relief pitcher Chad Orvella, reliever Dan Miceli is the closer by default, but others could share the duty... Infielder Sean Burroughs (back) landed on the disabled list to start the season. Branyan could get some at-bats as a result.

Toronto Blue Jays - Starter Ted Lilly (back, shoulder) is still experiencing back pain after a long toss session Monday, April 3. If he isn't ready to pitch Saturday, either pitcher Josh Banks or pitcher Casey Janssen will get the nod... Starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (elbow) could return earlier than projected after he threw a bullpen session Monday, April 3, and reported no problems. He'll pitch for Class A Dunedin Thursday, and if all goes well, he could return to the team. He's eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday, April 8.... Reliever Scott Downs (knee) pitched at the team's minor league complex Sunday, April 2, before rejoining the team for their opener Tuesday, April 4... Catcher Gregg Zaun (ankle) has been working out in Dunedin and could get into a minor league game as soon as Thursday, March 6. Catcher Jason Phillips is now catcher Bengie Molina's primary backup... Shortstop John McDonald (back) has been dealing with back pain but should be available.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Chicago White Sox - Starting pitcher Jose Contreras (allergy) ended up at the hospital Sunday, April 2, because of an allergic reaction to seafood. His face was swollen and his eyes were red, but he should make a full recovery and be available for his starts... Catcher Chris Widger (ankle) sprained his ankle Saturday, April 1, but he should be fine... As expected, the team placed reliever Dustin Hermanson (back) on the disabled list. Reliever Boone Logan fills out the bullpen for Chicago.

Cleveland Indians - Starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia (oblique) landed on the 15-day disabled list will be out at least three weeks after straining his left oblique muscle in the season opener. The team recalled pitcher Jason Davis, who could start in Sabathia's absence.

Detroit Tigers - The team placed closer Todd Jones (hamstring) on the disabled list to start the season after the right-hander aggravated a left hamstring injury. Reliever Fernando Rodney is likely to get the save opportunities while Jones is out, but if he falters, reliever Joel Zumaya could also get a shot ... The Tigers placed pitcher Craig Dingman (shoulder) on the disabled list. The team purchased the contract of reliever Bobby Seay to fill out the bullpen ... Detroit put reliever Troy Percival (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list. His career is likely over.

Kansas City Royals - The Royals officially placed closer Mike MacDougal (shoulder) on the disabled list. Relief pitcher Ambiorix Burgos gets first crack at the closer role while MacDougal is out... Starter Mark Redman (knee) landed on the disabled list. The team will likely recall starting pitcher Runelvys Hernandez (lack of stamina), also on the disabled list, if and when they need a starter next week. Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek (hand) has X-rays taken on his injured hand last week. Results were negative, and he hasn't missed any time.

Minnesota Twins - Reliever Juan Rincon (elbow) is available out of the pen, but he missed a large portion of spring training. The team plans to use relief pitcher Jesse Crain in the setup role until Rincon is 100 percent... The team placed outfielder Ruben Sierra (quadriceps) on the disabled list. Outfielder Lew Ford stands to benefit.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Although he nursed a strained arch all through the spring, outfielder Garret Anderson (foot) was able to play all nine innings in the opener, and he returned to the outfield the following night. If it troubles him again, look for outfielder Juan Rivera to see more at-bats.

Oakland Athletics - Shortstop Bobby Crosby (finger) injured his hand on a tag during the opener. X-rays were negative, but he's day-to-day and infielder Marco Scutaro will probably see most of the time at short until Crosby can play again... Observers noticed designated hitter Frank Thomas (foot) was obviously limping on his surgically repaired foot following Oakland's opening game. The team says he did not re-injure it. First basemen Dan Johnson and Nick Swisher would see more at-bats if Thomas were hurt.

Seattle Mariners - The team cleared outfielder Jeremy Reed (wrist) for the opener, and he has since not missed any time. If he did, outfielder Joe Borchard would probably fill in... Outfielder Chris Snelling (knee) is on the 15-day disabled list. Borchard and utility man Willie Bloomquist are serving as backup outfielders... Pitcher Kevin Appier (calf) hopes to regain his health and eventually join Triple-A Tacoma.

Texas Rangers - The team placed outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. (ribcage) on the disabled list. Outfielder Adrian Brown will serve as the backup for now... Pitcher Josh Rupe (elbow) recently began throwing but is likely at least a month away from returning. The Rangers placed him on the disabled list to begin the season... Starting pitcher Adam Eaton (finger) began the season on the disabled list after undergoing surgery to repair a tendon on the middle finger of his right hand. Pitcher John Koronka will fill in as a starting pitcher in the short term. Recently acquired pitcher Robinson Tejeda could take over if Koronka falters, and he could also join the bullpen thanks to a rash of injuries... The Rangers placed reliever C.J. Wilson (shoulder) on the disabled list... Texas placed reliever Frank Francisco (elbow) on the disabled list. The Rangers will have relievers Antonio Alfonseca and Fabio Castro, amongst others, available out of the pen.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Atlanta Braves - The Braves made starting pitcher Mike Hampton (elbow) an official member of the disabled list. He'll miss the season. Pitcher Kyle Davies now serves as the fifth starter... The team placed relief pitcher John Foster (elbow) on the disabled list, but he will begin throwing soon... Atlanta placed reliever Macay McBride (forearm) on the disabled list. Relief pitcher Mike Remlinger will likely see some action as a result... The Braves placed outfielder Kelly Johnson (elbow) on the disabled list with a sprained right elbow. Outfielders Brian Jordan and Matt Diaz could serve as emergency replacements now... Closer Chris Reitsma (hamstring) worked through his strained hamstring over the weekend and was healthy enough to pitch in the opener, when he earned his first save. Reliever Blaine Boyer may get to pitch the ninth inning if Reitsma were unavailable... Pitcher John Thomson (elbow) feels fine after throwing over the weekend and will pitch out of the bullpen for now.

Florida Marlins - The Marlins placed pitcher Michael Megrew (shoulder) on the disabled list with left shoulder tendinitis.

New York Mets - Starting pitcher Victor Zambrano (hamstring) injured his hamstring Friday, March 31, and won't make his first start of the season until Sunday, April 9. Rookie starter Brian Bannister will start Wednesday in Zambrano's place.

Philadelphia Phillies - Starting pitcher Randy Wolf (elbow) continues his rehab, throwing off a mound three times a week. He hopes to progress to tossing batting practice by mid-May and a minor league rehab assignment by June. He's targeting a return sometime in July. For now starter Gavin Floyd is at the back of the rotation... The Phillies placed pitcher Chris Booker (knee) on the disabled list. He's recovering from offseason knee surgery and has some inflammation in the area... Third baseman David Bell (back) has looked and felt good since debuting in the Grapefruit League Thursday, March 30. He's experienced no setbacks, but he didn't start the opener because the Phillies were facing right-hander Chris Carpenter. Infielder Abraham O. Nunez will continue to spell Bell whenever necessary.

Washington Nationals - An MRI confirmed that starting pitcher Pedro Astacio (forearm) only has a right forearm flexor strain and should only miss five to seven days. The team has already placed him on the disabled list, but because the injury isn't serious, he could be ready to return when he's eligible April 16. The team already expects starting pitcher Ryan Drese (shoulder) to return from the disabled list in time to start the team's game Sunday, April 9. If Drese can't go, the team would turn to starting pitcher Billy Traber... Catcher/first baseman Robert Fick (elbow) is due to begin a rehab assignment after the team finishes its series with the New York Mets Thursday, April 6. He's been hitting off a tee and throwing without pain. First baseman Matt LeCroy and Catcher Wiki Gonzalez will still be the team's backups.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs - Merely a formality, the Cubs placed starting pitcher Wade Miller (elbow) on the disabled list after purchasing his contract from Triple-A Iowa. Pitcher Jerome Williams is in the bullpen for now, but he'll serve as the No. 5 starter when the team goes to a five-man rotation... Starting pitcher Kerry Wood (shoulder) threw a batting practice session and said he felt good about the way things were progressing. Starter Sean Marshall is now the team's No. 4... Starting pitcher Mark Prior (shoulder) played catch Thursday, March 30, and continues to rehab his strained shoulder muscle. Starter Glendon Rusch is serving as the team's second starter.

Cincinnati Reds - Catcher Jason LaRue (knee), as expected, landed on the disabled list. Catcher Javier Valentin assumes starting duties behind the dish... The Reds placed starting pitcher Paul Wilson (shoulder) on the disabled list. For now Dave Williams serves as the No. 5 man in the rotation... Cincinnati placed pitcher Grant Balfour (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list.

Houston Astros - First baseman Jeff Bagwell (shoulder) remains on the disabled list. First baseman/outfielder Lance Berkman will continue to start at first base in his absence.

Milwaukee Brewers - Outfielder Brady Clark (ankle) worked out Sunday, April 2, and was fine to open the season Tuesday, April 4. Should he miss time, utility player Bill Hall would shift to the outfield.

Pittsburgh Pirates - The team placed starting pitcher Kip Wells (shoulder) on the disabled list. Starter Ian Snell should remain in the rotation for the time being... Pittsburgh also placed starting pitcher John Van Benschoten (shoulder) on the disabled list. Starter Victor Santos has made the rotation for the Pirates out of spring training... The team put starting pitcher Bryan Bullington (shoulder) on the 60-day disabled list.

St. Louis Cardinals - Outfielder John Rodriguez (back) has been dealing with back spasms lately and won't be able to play in the field. He is available to pinch hit. Outfielder So Taguchi will see more playing time as a result... The team placed outfielder Larry Bigbie on the disabled list. Taguchi and Rodgriguez are to benefit from Bigbie's absence... St. Louis placed outfielder Rick Ankiel on the disabled list. He had suffered a setback during workouts to rehab his sprained knee.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

Arizona Diamondbacks - The Diamondbacks placed reliever Brandon Medders (shoulder) on the disabled list. He had been a possible alternative in case closer Jose Valverde faltered suffered an injury, but that duty could fall to reliever Brandon Lyon short term.

Colorado Rockies - Colorado placed reliever Brandon Dohmann (virus) on the disabled list. Reliever David Cortes made the Opening Day roster as a result... Starting pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim (hamstring) landed on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Starter Zach Day is now the team's fifth starter, behind starting pitcher Josh Fogg... Catcher Yorvit Torrealba (shoulder, biceps) hit the disabled list to begin the season, as expected. Catcher Danny Ardoin serves as the team's starter. Catcher Miguel Ojeda made the team and will back up Ardoin... The team placed infielder Josh Wilson (toe), who has a broken toe, on the disabled list.

Los Angeles Dodgers - It didn't take long: first baseman Nomar Garciaparra (abdominal), after straining his abdominal muscle, landed on the disabled list Tuesday, April 4. The Dodgers recalled first baseman James Loney from Triple-A Las Vegas. He and first baseman Olmedo Saenz could split the starts at the position... Outfielder Jose Cruz Jr. (concussion, back) played over the weekend and was ready to go for the season opener. If he were unable to perform, outfielder Ricky Ledee would likely step into the lineup... The team placed outfielder Kenny Lofton (calf) on the disabled list, and outfielder Jason Repko looks to fill in for him most of the time... The team placed shortstop Cezar Izturis (elbow) on the disabled list, and he could begin a rehab assignment April 22. They already have shortstop Rafael Furcal, so the team is considering a move to the outfield for Izturis... Starting pitcher Derek Lowe (flu) was under the weather over the weekend, but he was still able to make his start Opening Day... The Dodgers placed outfielder Jayson Werth on the disabled list... Reliever Lance Carter (virus) has recovered and was ready for the season opener... Furcal (back) had suffered through back spasms, but he was ready for Opening Day.

San Diego Padres - The Padres placed first baseman Ryan Klesko (shoulder) on the disabled list. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez will start in his place... Outfielder Mike Cameron (oblique) began the season on the disabled list as well. Outfielder Terrmel Sledge and utility man Eric Young stand to benefit the most... The team placed relief pitcher Doug Brocail on the disabled list. The team purchased the contract of reliever Brian Sweeney from Triple-A Portland. He and reliever Scott Cassidy will fill out the pen.

San Francisco Giants - The Giants placed closer Armando Benitez (knee) on the disabled list. Relief pitcher Tim Worrell will probably assume the closer's role, with reliever Tyler Walker possibility getting a chance as well... Second baseman Ray Durham (foot) returned to spring action over the weekend and was in the Opening Day lineup. Infielder Jose Vizcaino serves as insurance in case Durham is unable to go.
INJURY ROUND UP PART II: EXPERT ANALYSIS

In Part II of the Weekly Injury Round Up, we will break down some injuries for key players and what to look for long-term. You can't always trust what a team states, so we've decided to seek professional opinions to determine the true extent of the injury, what it means in medical terms as well as to the player in question and when can you really expect him back.

Each week Stephania Bell, MS, PT, OCS, CSCS, will provide an expert's view on several key injuries that are certain to affect your fantasy team. Bell is a Physical Therapist, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with 14 years of clinical practice and teaching in orthopedics and sports medicine. Bell serves on the Executive Board of AAOMPT (American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists) and speaks nationally on issues related to orthopedics and sports.

Ben Sheets, SP: Official Status - 15-day DL. Out until at least mid-April

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Drew Olson is reporting Milwaukee Brewers SP Ben Sheets (back) will open the season on the 15-day disabled list. It is likely Sheets, who is recovering from a strained Teres major muscle in his back, will make two or three rehabilitation starts in the minor leagues and join the Brewers in the third or fourth week of the season.

Perhaps you remember that Sheets missed the last six weeks of last season with a strained "back" muscle. In fact, according to Associated Press reports, an MRI at the time of that injury revealed a tear on his pitching side of the latissimus dorsi ("lats" in gym speak). This is the back muscle that gives that "V" shape to the well-developed back when viewed from behind. Although the main muscle bulk is in the back, the tendon attaches to the humerus (arm bone) and is responsible for rotating the shoulder and extending the arm. Sheets rehabbed during the offseason and looked good early - but now he is injured again in a "different" muscle, the Teres major. This muscle sits on the shoulder blade and is much smaller than the lats but guess where it attaches? If you guessed "on the arm right next to the lats" then you know your anatomy. And guess what it does? Yes - it also rotates the shoulder. Much has been made of the fact that these are different muscles, but could these injuries be related? Sure seems so. Both muscles are active from the time the ball is released during pitching to help decelerate the arm. When a player suffers a strain to one muscle, others nearby may try to compensate. Reports indicate that Sheets is doing well in his current assignment and that he is expected to return mid-April. The bigger concern for the long haul is whether the same factors that caused him to strain the lat, and then strain the Teres, are still present.

C.C. Sabathia: Official Status - 15-day DL. Out until at least mid-April

The Associated Press' Tom Withers reports Cleveland Indians SP C.C. Sabathia (abdominal) will likely be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained abdominal muscle. He underwent an MRI, but the results haven't returned yet. SP Jason Davis is likely to be recalled from Triple-A to take his place.

It turns out Sabathia suffered a strained "oblique" muscle. These are the diagonally oriented abdominal muscles that are responsible, in part, for trunk rotation. There are internal and external obliques, although the latest report did not indicate which muscle group was injured. The obliques, in addition to rotation, have a big role in stabilizing the trunk on the pelvis. When you're a big guy like Sabathia, that responsibility is even bigger. Now imagine moving that trunk at high speeds. Apparently, Sabathia had a similar injury to start off the '05 season. What is it with pitchers who started last season on the disabled list starting off this season the same way (see article on Prior from last week)? Did last year's injury set them up somehow for this one? Is it their off-season conditioning? Or is it just bad karma? OK - the bad karma explains the Cubs' starting rotation's woes, but not everyone else's. The Indians insist Sabathia has been focused on his conditioning. Nonetheless, he begins the season with a repeat injury. Although this episode does not seem as serious, it is a trend to watch closely.

Adam Eaton, SP: Official Status - 15-day DL. Out until at least mid-July

Updating previous items, the Associated Press reports Texas Rangers SP Adam Eaton (finger) could be out of the team's rotation for one to three months with a strained tendon in the middle finger on his pitching hand. He was sidelined with the same injury last season.

The Texas Rangers have placed SP Adam Eaton (finger) on the 15-day disabled list, according to USATODAY.com. Eaton is having surgery on a middle finger tendon and will miss at least three months.

Eaton's middle finger of his pitching hand (right) is now likely in a splint to immobilize it after his recent surgery to repair a tendon. According to ESPN.com, the team doctor reports Eaton had a pulley tendon repair - not your typical pitching injury. In fact, Rangers team physician Meister was quoted as saying that this is an injury typically seen in rock climbers. This makes sense because your pulley tendons are the ones that help when flexing your fingers - like when you grip a wall from which you are precariously hanging so as not to fall to your death. Although the fingers are flexed as a pitcher curls them around a baseball, the grip is not usually quite as intense as that of the rock climber. For whatever reason, the tendon failed - and tendons normally do not heal particularly well on their own. In the case of a pulley, which is really a fibrous attachment to the main flexor tendons of the hand, if it is not repaired, the tendon can bowstring (picture a fraying bow on a violin) rendering it painful and ineffective. Surgical repair gives it the best chance of being healthy and not fraying with continued throwing. The complication is the rehab. The tendon has to be immobilized and then very slowly and gradually allowed to move into further range. The healing itself is slow and aggressive movements have to be gradually introduced. Once Eaton is able to return, however, he should not see any lingering effects.