Let’s take a look at this morning’s injury news and notes:
Pablo Sandoval – San Francisco Giants – According to Chris Haft of mlb.com (click here for the article), “Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval will be sidelined for an indefinite period with a broken hamate bone in his right hand.” Henry Schulman, via Twitter, has reported that Sandoval is out 4-6 weeks. It’s unfortunate, as Sandoval was hitting .313 with 5 HR and 14 RBI in a bounce back campaign. Miguel Tejada shifted over to play third base yesterday, with Mike Fontenot playing shortstop. Fontenot doesn’t offer much offensive upside, however, so fantasy owners will be left looking for help elsewhere.
Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays – Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times (click here for the article) is reporting that, “The Rays are already looking at dropping a position player, seemingly either INF Felipe Lopez or 1B Dan Johnson, to make room for Tuesday’s return of 3B Evan Longoria from the disabled list.” If you are in a weekly format it appears that Longoria will be a must play for Week 5. With only 5 AB this season (0-5), fantasy owners certainly have been anxiously awaiting his return to the field.
Kevin Youkilis – Boston Red Sox – Scott Lauber (via Twitter) is reporting, “Kevin Youkilis left the game because he reaggravated his left hip, according to Terry Francona. Not certain he will play tomorrow”. After the same injury forced him out of a game on Thursday, it’s hard to imagine him playing today. Time will tell, but make sure to check the pregame lineup. Chances are they give him a day or two to fully recovery.
Zack Greinke – Milwaukee Brewers – According to Tyler Barnes (via Twitter), “Ron Roenicke just officially announced Zack Greinke will make his season debut Wednesday in Atlanta.” Obviously this is great news for fantasy owners. While he should stay on fantasy benches for one more week to let him work out the kinks, you should finally reap the benefits of his move to the NL.
Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals – Mark Zuckerman (via Twitter) is reporting, “Rizzo: Zimmerman has tear of rectus muscle in abdomen. Surgery Tues in Philly. Expected back in 6 weeks.” This certainly is not the kind of news fantasy owners were hoping for. There’s not much you can do but sit back and wait for him to return.
Daisuke Matsuzaka – Boston Red Sox – Steve Krasner of ESPN Boston (click here for the article) has a quote from Matsuzaka saying, “That kind of tightness happens sometimes. I don’t really pay attention to it.” That’s encouraging, but it still is no guarantee that he is able to take the mound for his next start against the Angels. He could be usable for that start, if healthy, so hopefully we have a better idea by Monday. However, if there is any question and with the risk he brings in general, he won’t be worth gambling on in weekly formats.
Kendrys Morales – Los Angeles Angels – According to Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times (click here for the article), “Morales, out because of a broken ankle since May, took a step backward in his rehab when he returned to the team’s training base in Arizona after being reexamined Wednesday by Dr. Phil Kwong, a foot and ankle specialist.” There’s no word on a timetable, but it appears that we will continue to wait a while for Morales’ return.
Chris Coghlan – Florida Marlins – According to the Miami Herald (click here for the article), “it’s clear Coghlan will have to deal with the pain the rest of the season as the injury will not fully heal until he’s able to rest it significantly. Coghlan didn’t want to speculate over having surgery, but it’s likely he will need it after the season.” Not exactly what we want to hear, but he’s not going to miss much time from his strained shoulder. Watch him closely, but he could have the potential to struggle with the injury from time-to-time. Coghlan did return to the lineup on Saturday.
Travis Hafner – Cleveland Indians – According to Anthony Castrovince (via Twitter), “Travis Hafner has strained tendon on surface of right foot. In a walking boot until Monday, then will be reexamined at that time.” At this point he’s a real risk for next week if he is a player who has value in your format.
Jose Tabata – Pittsburgh Pirates – Dean Kovacevic (via Twitter) is reporting that, “LF Jose Tabata exits after apparent injury to right leg, running bases while grounding out in first.” For now consider him day-to-day.
Omar Infante – Florida Marlins – According to Jeff Wallner of mlb.com (click here for the article), “Marlins second baseman Omar Infante left Saturday’s game in the fifth inning with an apparent leg injury.” There is also a quote from Edwin Rodriguez saying, “But then they said it was a cramp. It flared up during his at-bat.” That certainly is much better than a pulled muscle and would lead us to believe that this is only a day-to-day situation. Hopefully we get a little more information shortly.
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