Let’s take a look at this morning’s injury news and notes:
Derek Jeter – New York Yankees – According to Bryan Hoch of mlb.com (click here for the article), “Jeter was a late scratch from New York’s lineup after he sustained a right knee contusion on a foul ball in the first game of the twin bill”. The scratch was for Game 2 of Sunday’s double header and he remained out of the lineup for last night’s game. It doesn’t sound like a serious injury, though according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (click here for the article), “New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who feared Sunday that his bruised knee was much more serious, still likely will be out several games, including a key series against the Boston Red Sox.” At this point, push him to your bench and hope he can get back on the field shortly.
Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees – In the same article Hoch is reporting that, “Rodriguez is again being bothered by his sprained left thumb.” Mark Feinsand (via Twitter) later added, “A-Rod not with the team today; he went back to NY for an MRI, though the results showed no damage. He’s day-to-day.” This one is a bit more concerning for fantasy owners. Rodriguez also missed both Game 2 of Sunday’s double header and last night’s game. The injury occurred a week ago, though he did go 3-8 with 1 HR, 1 RBI and 4 R in the two games earlier in the week (the only games he played between the injury and Game 1 of the double header on Sunday).
Adrian Beltre – Texas Rangers – According to Jeff Wilson (via Twitter), “Expect Adrian Beltre back no later than Thursday.” Obviously this news comes a little too late for those in weekly formats, though missing half the week would make him a fairly difficult play anyways. Hope for him to come back strong, as he is a very good option at the weakest position for fantasy owners. He’ll be a must use option once he’s back on the diamond.
Jason Donald – Cleveland Indians – Jordan Bastian of mlb.com (via Twitter) is reporting that, “Donald scratched with right index finger contusion.” This doesn’t sound like anything serious, but if he has value in your format you will want to monitor the pregame lineup.
Nelson Cruz – Texas Rangers – According to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News (click here for the article), “The Texas Rangers learned today that outfielder Nelson Cruz will miss about three weeks because of a strained left hamstring. Team physician Dr. Keith Meister made the prognosis after reviews the results of tests that Cruz underwent. To help the healing process, Meister gave Cruz an injection of platelet-rich plasma.” It’s a tough break for fantasy owners, as it would put him back right around the middle of September or so. All you can do is shift him to your bench and hope that he can return sooner than that. Entering Monday with a 3.0 game lead, the team could look to get him back ASAP (though there have been rumblings about them going outside the organization to replace his bat in the lineup).
Shin-Soo Choo – Cleveland Indians – According to Zack Meisel (via Twitter), “Shin-Soo Choo says he might take some swings by the weekend; was told over the weekend to take 5-7 days off.” Later in the night Meisel wrote on mlb.com (click here for the article), “Choo said Monday he could take some swings this weekend, but by the time he regains a rhythm in the cage and completes a series of drills necessary before he sees game action, it could be as long as two weeks. “ Hopefully you didn’t decide to use him for this current week. If you did, it unfortunately looks like you are going to get little from him at the most inopportune time.
Justin Morneau – Minnesota Twins – Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune (click here for the post) is reporting that, “Justin Morneau jammed his left shoulder diving for a ball in Sunday’s game and woke up stiff and sore Monday, so he’s not in tonight’s lineup as the Twins begin a three-game series against the White Sox.” Consider him day-to-day for the time being, though it does not sound like a lock that he’s back in today’s lineup. It feels like we’ve been waiting for him to get healthy the entire season, so what’s a few more days.
Cameron Maybin – San Diego Padres – According to the San Diego Union-Tribune (via Twitter), “CF Cameron Maybin will return to San Diego Tuesday for MRI on right wrist”. We should learn more about the injury today. He last played August 26 and at this point all owners can do is hope for the best. He has shown signs of living up to his potential, hitting .275 with 8 HR and 32 SB in 429 AB this season. Those using him will want to be prepared for life without him, however.
Freddy Garcia – New York Yankees – Garcia was great in his first start off the DL, allowing 1 ER on 2 H and 1 BB, striking out 4, over 6.0 innings of work.
Jose Reyes – New York Mets – He didn’t play the first game of yesterday’s double header, but came off the DL in time for the second. He went 1-4 with 1 R, and expect him to see more time off over the final month of the season. Does that mean not to use him? Of course not, just be prepared.
Cole Hamels – Philadelphia Phillies – In his first start off the DL Hamels was impressive, allowing 1 R on 2 H and 0 BB, striking out 7, over 6.0 innings. He threw just 76 pitches, but it makes sense for the Phillies to remain cautious with Hamels, as they are simply playing for October at this point. Clearly he is safe to be activated in all formats.
Andre Ethier – Los Angeles Dodgers – With “Knee Gate” behind him, Ethier performed at the plate last night. He went 3-4 with 1 RBI and 1 R, giving him his first multi-hit game since August 8 and his first RBI since August 7. Is it a lock that he continues to produce? Absolutely not, as he remains a risk due to potentially being shutdown due to the knee injury. Regardless, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
