Injury roundup: Marcum out for a month
by Bryce McRae and Dr. Alan Knopf, KFFL
KFFL: Over a dozen expert league championships — a proven source of player news and fantasy content.
Catchers
There were no major injuries of note.
Others of Note
Texas Rangers catcher Gerald Laird (hamstring) landed on the disabled list Sunday, June 21, and is expected to miss as much as six weeks with a pulled hamstring.
First Basemen
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (calf) was activated from the 15-day disabled list and inserted into the starting lineup Thursday, June 26, as the designated hitter.
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena (hand) is expected to be activated Friday, June 27. He has been out since early June after suffering a fractured left index finger.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (oblique) could take batting practice as early as Saturday, June 28. He took swings at balls flipped to him Thursday, June 26, and is expected to do so again Friday, June 27, as well as play catch. He can be activated as early as Monday, June 30, though there is no timetable for his return.
Others of Note
Texas Rangers first baseman Hank Blalock (hand, wrist) is expected to be re-evaluated Friday, June 27, after experiencing a setback in his rehab. The earliest he could begin a rehab assignment is next week. He could still return before the All-Star break.
Second Basemen
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks (knee) was activated from the 15-day disabled list Sunday, June 22. He has five hits and two RBI in 15 at-bats since returning to the lineup.
Others of Note
Houston Astros second baseman Kazuo Matsui (hamstring) landed on the 15-day disabled list Monday, June 23, with a strained right hamstring. There is no timetable for his return.... Colorado Rockies second baseman Clint Barmes (knee) was activated from the disabled list Sunday, June 22. He has two hits in 11 at-bats since returning.... Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill (concussion) is expected to stay away from the Blue Jays for at least a couple of weeks. There is still no timetable for his return.... San Diego Padres second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (shoulder) visited with a doctor Wednesday, June 25, and looks to be ahead of schedule in his recovery. He is expected to return in several weeks.
Third Basemen
Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones (quadriceps) has not been in the starting lineup over the team's last five games, though he did make a pair of appearances as a pinch-hitter. He hopes to return Friday, June 27, and serve as the designated hitter for their three-game set with the Blue Jays.
Seattle Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre (finger) missed two games over the weekend but returned to the lineup Monday, June 23, and has two hits in 10 at-bats this week.
Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder) appears to be progressing nicely, but he was still at least one week from swinging a bat as of Monday, June 23.
Others of Note
Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez (shoulder) was a late scratch Tuesday, June 24, due to a sore right shoulder. He also missed the previous game with the same injury but returned to the lineup Wednesday, June 25.... Cincinnati Reds third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (back) has not played in the team's last three games due to back spasms. He has not been placed on the disabled list, but it is unknown when he will return to the starting lineup.... San Diego Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (back) returned after missing six straight games with a sore back Tuesday, June 24, though he is still bothered by his back.... Chicago White Sox third baseman Joe Crede (back) returned Thursday, June 26, after missing two games with stiffness in his back.
Shortstops
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal (back) felt fine after going through an extensive workout Thursday, June 26. If he feels fine Friday, June 27, Furcal could begin a rehab assignment next week and possibly return before the All-Star break.
Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (quadriceps) was activated from the 15-day disabled list Friday, June 20. He had been out since suffering a torn quadriceps April 29.
Atlanta Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar (shoulder) missed a game due to a hip flexor but was able to return Monday, June 23. Escobar is now suffering from a strained shoulder, which kept him out of the lineup Wednesday, June 25, but he hopes to return Friday, June 27.
Others of Note
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jerry Hairston, Jr. (thumb) was activated from the 15-day disabled list Thursday, June 26.... Reds shortstop Jeff Keppinger (knee) was activated from the DL Sunday, June 22. He has been playing third base.... Los Angeles Angels shortstop Maicer Izturis (hamstring) missed his fourth straight game with a strained hamstring Wednesday, June 25. It is not sure when he will return.
Outfielders
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (hand) left early Thursday, June 26, after getting hit on the hand by a pitch. His X-rays came back negative, and he is considered day-to-day with a bruise on his hand.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero (illness) was out of the lineup Wednesday, June 25. Guerrero said he felt sick from the day before but expects to return Friday, June 27.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano (hand) is expected to have his hand X-rayed Friday, June 27, and hopes to be swinging a bat and playing catch in the near future. Soriano still hopes to return in time to play in the All-Star Game, but manager Lou Piniella suggested that if it meant rushing him, Soriano would not be back by then.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Eric Byrnes (hamstrings) was activated from the disabled list Monday, June 23. He went 0-for-5 in his return.
Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (calf) ran in the outfield Thursday, June 26, but did not go full speed. He has not played in the team's last two games, but could be back in the lineup this weekend.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun (hand) has been receiving treatment for soreness in his right hand between his thumb and index fingers for about a week but has continued to play through it.
New York Mets outfielder Ryan Church (concussion) went 3-for-3 and played five innings for Class-A Brooklyn on Thursday, June 26, and is expected to do so again Friday, June 27. He could return sometime this weekend.
Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley (quadriceps) returned to the starting lineup Thursday, June 26, after being limited to pinch-hitting duty during the team's previous seven games.
New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon (foot) was back in the starting lineup Thursday, June 26, after missing two games with an arch injury in his left foot. The game, however, was called during the third inning due to inclement weather.
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Xavier Nady (shoulder) returned to the lineup Thursday, June 26. It was his first appearance since June 14, but the game was postponed because of poor weather conditions.
Pirates outfielder Jason Bay (groin) was pulled for a pinch-hitter Wednesday, June 25, for the second straight game. He was suffering from tightness in his groin, though both games were not close.
Others of Note
Florida Marlins outfielder Josh Willingham (back) was activated from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, June 24.... Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andruw Jones (knee) has been running without pain and could begin a rehab assignment next week.... Mets outfielder Moises Alou (calf) could be out for the season and may decide to retire at the age of 41, according to manager Jerry Manuel.
Designated Hitters
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (wrist) took swings Wednesday, June 25, and believes he is two to three weeks from returning.
Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner (shoulder) is going to be evaluated to find out if his shoulder has regained strength. There is no timetable for his return.
Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gary Sheffield (oblique) was activated from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, June 24. The veteran had been out since May 26 with a strained oblique.
New York Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui (knee) has not played since Sunday, June 22, and could land on the disabled list if he isn't cleared to play Friday, June 27.
Starting Pitchers
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (ankle) was walking without a protective boot and little trace of a limp Wednesday, June 25. He still hopes to make his next start Sunday, June 29, but that is up in the air, and the club may play it safe.
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shaun Marcum (elbow) was placed on the DL retroactively to June 19. He will not require surgery on his elbow, but he is likely to miss at least three more weeks. General manager J.P. Ricciardi expects him to return right after the All-Star break.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano (shoulder) threw off flat ground Thursday, June 26, and if all goes well he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, June 29. He is targeting a July 4 return.
Mariners starting pitcher Erik Bedard (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, June 27, and barring any setbacks, he could start Sunday, June 29, if Hernandez is unable to make the start.
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Fausto Carmona (hip) is expected to test his hip by playing catch Friday, June 27. There is no timetable for his return.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Chris Young (nose) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Saturday, June 28. If that goes well, Young could then join Class-A Lake Elsinore for the first of two or three rehab starts.
Others of Note
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Brad Penny (shoulder) experienced discomfort during a bullpen session Wednesday, June 25, and had his simulated game set for Saturday, June 28, canceled. He is still expected to throw, just not to live hitting. There is no timetable for his return.... Boston Red Sox starter Curt Schilling (shoulder) is expected to wait around four months before deciding whether or not to continue his career after shoulder surgery.... Red Sox starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (back) is expected to be begin a throwing program sometime next week. He will likely not return until after the All-Star break.... Dodgers starter Jason Schmidt (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, June 24, and is scheduled to resume a rehab assignment Saturday, June 28. There is no timetable for his return.... Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda (shoulder) is slated to throw a simulated game Saturday, June 28, and could be activated from the DL early next week if he doesn't encounter any setbacks.... New York Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes (ribs) made 25 throws from 60 feet Wednesday, June 25, but is not expected back until August.... Pittsburgh Pirates starter Ian Snell (elbow) landed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Monday, June 23. He is expected to return to the rotation when he is eligible to be activated July 8.... St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Todd Wellemeyer (elbow) started Thursday, June 26, after missing two of his last three starts with elbow problems. He allowed four hits and no runs over five innings in his return.... Cardinals starter Mark Mulder (back) missed a minor league rehab start Monday, June 23, due to back stiffness. He felt better during a bullpen session Thursday, June 26, but is not expected to be activated Saturday, June 28.
Relief Pitchers
Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz (elbow) is scheduled to begin throwing on flat ground Saturday, June 28. He is expected to put his elbow through a rehab process followed by a minor league assignment. He is not expected to return until after the All-Star break.
Tampa Bay Rays closer Troy Percival (hamstring) could be limited due to a recurring hamstring problem. He is not expected to not go on the disabled list, but his status is day-to-day. Manager Joe Maddon will rotate closing duties among the other relievers if Percival can't go.
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Eric Gagne (shoulder) made a successful 14-pitch rehab appearance Tuesday, June 24, but was roughed up a bit in two-thirds of an inning for Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, June 26. He could be activated as early as Friday, June 27.
Others of Note
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Kelvim Escobar (shoulder) threw 32 pitches over two innings in the Arizona Summer League on Wednesday, June 25. He is set to meet with the Angels this weekend for an evaluation and is schedule to make an appearance Monday, June 30, for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.... Oakland A's reliever Joey Devine (elbow) is expected to throw off a mound Friday, June 27, for the first time in a month. There is no timetable for his return.... Washington Nationals relief pitcher Chad Cordero (shoulder) has been throwing off the mound without pain and could return after the All-Star break.
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.
Shaun Marcum, SP, Toronto - Strained ligaments in right forearm and elbow, Status: Placed on 15-day DL
Both inside ligaments (medial and ulnar collateral) are covered by the wrist flexor muscles. The outside ligaments (lateral or radial collateral) are covered by the wrist extensor muscles. The ulnar collateral is ligament replaced in Tommy John surgery.
The mechanics of throwing, depending on the type of grip, velocity and torque, will cause wear (sprain and strain) on these structures (flexion, extension and rotation).
Improper healing or overuse can lead to acute, as well as chronic, changes of this muscle, tendon and ligament complex. The same is true for any joint with overuse. Therefore, without knowing the degree of strain or strain (MRI result) of the elbow it is difficult to predict the treatment and long-term prognosis.
MRIs reveal the severity of the injury and allow doctors to apply a general grading scale to the condition in question.
A first-degree strain is damage to a few fibers.
A second-degree strain is damage to a more extensive number of fibers.
A third-degree strain is a complete rupture of the ligament or tendon itself.
As a general rule, Grade 1 strains should be rested from sporting activity for about three weeks and Grade 2 strains for about four to six weeks. In the case of a complete rupture, the tendon or ligament will have to be repaired surgically, and the rehabilitation afterward will usually take about 12 months or more.
My prediction is with this condition lasting for at least one month, Marcum will not start an early rehabilitation program (throwing motion) for a least one month. Chances are he's suffering from a Grade 2 strain. I would be very cautious with a pitcher's future career, especially when it comes to elbow injuries.
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