Let’s take a look at this morning’s injury news and notes:
Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees – According to YES’ Jack Curry (via Twitter), “ARod won’t play before Sat. Still needs to work on his running and defense. Hitting is where it needs to be”. So why can’t the Yankees just use him as their DH?!?! In all seriousness, the Yankees aren’t looking for a boost for the next six weeks, they need him healthy and able to man the hot corner in October. Just sit tight and keep him stashed until he is ready to return to the lineup. Hopefully he does return this weekend, but those in weekly formats are going to have to keep a close eye on the situation.
Mike Stanton – Florida Marlins – According to Jun C. Rodriguez of The Florida Sun Sentinel (click here for the article), “Stanton exited after the eighth inning with a sore toe he suffered when he ran into the right-field wall in the second inning. Manager Jack McKeon said he would be ready for Friday’s game.” Stanton saw his streak of four consecutive games with a home run end last night. Luckily the injury does not appear to be a serious one. Monitor the pregame lineup, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he didn’t miss a start.
Tommy Hanson – Atlanta Braves – Mark Bowman (via Twitter) is reporting that, “Sounds like Hanson will miss at least one more start. Not too surprising. Two wks. was not enough last time.” All you can really do is keep him stashed on the bench and hope that he can return to the mound after another week of rest. Out with a shoulder injury, you will want to wait and see Hanson actually make a start before returning him to your lineup.
Ryan Howard – Philadelphia Phillies – According to Matt Gelb (via Twitter), “Gload is going to start at first tonight, Charlie says. Howard checked out OK, but he will get a day.” Makes sense for the team to give him a day of rest and play it safe. Consider him day-to-day and monitor the pregame lineup.
Denard Span – Minnesota Twins – Joe Christensen of The Minnesota Star Tribune (click here for the post) is reporting that, “Span was placed on the DL with migraine symptoms, clearing a roster spot for Luke Hughes.” Span has struggled since returning from his first stint on the DL due to a concussion, going 2-35 with 1 R and 2 SB in 9 games. The Twins likely won’t bring him back until he is completely cleared, and it wouldn’t be shocking if his season has come to an end. Ben Revere will return to the starting lineup and leadoff spot full-time, giving him plenty of value if you are in need of some speed.
Kevin Youkilis – Boston Red Sox – Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald (click here for the article) is reporting that, “Lavarnway, the Red Sox’ prized catching prospect, has been summoned from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace Kevin Youkilis, who has been placed on the disabled list with a stiff back.” Youkilis has been trying to play through the issue, but it makes sense for the Red Sox to give him time to get over the issue and be healthy for October. Lavarnway hit .293 with 30 HR and 85 RBI in 417 AB between Double & Triple-A this season and is worth grabbing in all two-catcher formats, even for just the next week. Once David Ortiz is healthy he may not play much (unless he unseats Jared Saltalamacchia behind the plate, though that is unlikely), but that’s a problem to worry about for another day. A catcher with this type of offensive potential is worth grabbing if you have the space on your roster. In mixed, one-catcher formats, it’s worth waiting to see how he’s used once Ortiz returns.
Jason Kipnis – Cleveland Indians – He was expected to return to the lineup yesterday but, according to the team’s Twitter feed, “Kipnis scratched with right hamstring tightness.” That’s new, as he had missed the previous four games due to an oblique injury. For now we’ll have to continue to view him as day-to-day, but this new issue has got to be concerning.
Mitch Moreland – Texas Rangers – According to Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas (via Twitter), “Mitch Moreland was scratched with tightness in his right hamstring. It’s precautionary.” Consider him day-to-day, though this doesn’t appear to be a serious situation.
Phil Humber – Chicago White Sox – A line drive off the bat of Kosuke Fukudome caught Humber in the head yesterday, certainly a scary moment. According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune (click here for the article), “Humber was alert and responsive after getting hit. After falling on his back, Humber immediately stood up and put his cap back on before the Sox trainers removed him from the game as a precautionary measure with one out in the second inning. He will be re-examined Friday.”
