Even with the break thanks to All-Star festivities, injuries happen, and thus, Ambulance Chasers happens. The majority of today’s blurbs are positive, which is rare for the Ambulance Chasers. Three cheers for mostly good news! For even more good news, we here at Razzball have partnered up with The Infirmary Report to showcase their lovely and comprehensive spreadsheet of injuries. You can find the full spreadsheet from The Infirmary Report below the player blurbs.
Francisco Liriano, Pirates: The southpaw was a late scratch from yesterday’s schedule start with the team citing neck tightness. The Bucs announced Vance Worley would take Liriano’s start less than an hour before game time, though no word on whether or not Worley will take Liriano’s rotation spot if need be.
Miguel Montero, Cubs: Montero and his .337 on-base percentage are likely to be out as much as six weeks due to a sprained left thumb, but the injury opened up time for Kyle Schwarber. Expect Schwarbs to get the majority of the playing time behind the dish in Montero’s absence, and is a must-own in two-catcher leagues. Heck, I’m a windmill sized fan of Schwarber, so I’m rolling with him as my primary C in a standard 12-teamer (note: I know windmills aren’t really fans. Thanks, Futurama!)
Corey Dickerson, Rockies: He’s almost ready to rejoin the team, so sayeth Rockies manager Walt Weiss. Plantar fasciitis in Dickerson’s right foot have cost him over a month at this point, however he already started a rehab assignment. He’s expected to get around 25 at-bats during his rehabbing and thus Dickerson could be back some time this week, yet I’d still keep him on the bench in weekly leagues.
Dee Gordon, Marlins: Dee is bae, and bae is hurt. A dislocated left thumb has forced the fish to place Gordon on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 12. The team wasn’t sure he’d need a stint on the DL, however thanks to the ASB, Gordon can return before the end of the month, something I’m expecting. To replace him on the roster and likely in the field, the Marlins activated Martin Prado.
Freddie Freeman, Braves: I’m expecting the Braves to send Freeman to a rehab assignment today or tomorrow at the latest. He’s been out since mid-June due to a bone bruise on his right wrist, and is likely to require at least a week or so in the minor leagues rehabbing. This is a good news, as the last time the club talked about Freeman’s injury they were saying it was worse than they originally thought. I’m always worried about sluggers coming back from wrist issues, but this at least a step in the right direction for Freeman.
Chris Carter, Astros: Speaking of injured first baseman, Carter was out of the lineup again yesterday after leaving Friday’s game due to a sprained right ankle. Jon Singleton is already with the team and is the obvious candidate if the Astros are forced to place Carter on the disabled list. Skipper A.J. Hinch spoke with reports on Saturday and noted it’s possible Carter may require a stint on the 15-day DL. If you could stomach Carter’s whiffs, you should have no problem using Singleton in his place.
Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Man, there are a lot of injured first baseman. Zimmerman has been on the shelf as he deals with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, an injury that is pretty terrible to try and come back from. He’s at least progressed to the point of running the bases and is likely to begin a rehab assignment some time this week.
Anthony Rendon, Nationals: I guess we’ll stick with the Nationals, as they’ve been hit by the injury bug. Maybe injury van would more accurate? Yes, that was a Volkswagen joke, and I can just about promise it’s the only one you’ll find on a baseball blog today. Rendon was slated to start at third base in Saturday’s rehab start in High-A Potomac, as it’s apparently easier on his strained left quad. I’d expect to see him back in the big leagues before the end of the week.
Denard Span, Nationals: See? I told you the injury van was more accurate for the Nats. Back tightness forced Span to the DL retroactive to July 7, but on Friday he played catch and has passed tests on his back, so it seems likely he will resume hitting this week.
Jayson Werth, Nationals: Seriously, I’m sorry for this, it’s just something weird is going on in D.C.! Insert your own political joke there. The Nats began Werth’s rehab program with him at High-A Potomac, same as Rendon, on Thursday. He played three innings and seems to be easing back into things slowly. After breaking his left wrist in two places it makes sense for the club to take things slow with him. Just last year the now 36-year-old posted a .292 average with 16 home runs, so if healthy, he can still produce. Of course, same as with Freeman, wrist injuries to hitters scare the figurative pants off of me. Because seriously, who wears pants when writing?
Wily Peralta, Brewers: After a solid rehab outing on Thursday at Double-A Huntsville, I’m thinking the Brewers are close to activating the right-hander. Peralta tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out three and allowed a pair of hits and one walk. For a stream option in 12-team leagues, I’m a big fan of Wily.
Carlos Beltran, Yankees: The 38-year-old could be activated today after showing enough improvement in a lat strain that has kept him on the DL for almost three weeks. Beltran can still run into the occasional home run from time to time, and as a switch-hitter he owns a useful .287/.341/.475 line against right-handed pitchers since 2013. Looking at how favorable his home park is for lefty hitters as well as his triple slash against righties and I’m buying Beltran stock wherever I can.
Clay Buchholz, Red Sox: The right-hander is set to go visit Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday to get a second opinion on his elbow. I’m not saying that’s good news, but you won’t catch me saying it’s good news either. Apparently it’s strictly a precautionary visit, however I’m a jaded individual, so I’ll continue to be pessimistic about pitchers.
Steven Souza, Rays: Coming back from a right pinky laceration, Souza appeared at designated hitter for Single-A Charlotte yesterday. He’s schedule to play in the outfield there today, and if all goes well, is set to rejoin the Rays on Tuesday. Power, speed and an average that has almost nowhere to go but up? You now I’m buying Souza.
Last but not least, please find a comprehensive review of 2015 injuries courtesy of our friends at The Infirmary Report.
