Deep in the depths of the Razzball fantasy baseball archives, there exists a Dolly Parton-esque song performed by Grey called “Hamstrings Pull Heartstrings”. It is not as soulful as the only video on the Razzball TikTok channel. However, it is a close second because hamstring strains are a very unfortunate but hot trend in the MLB.
Why is everyone in the MLB pulling their hamstrings?
Between 2019 and 2021, hamstring injuries in the MLB increased by 193%. There are several different factors implicated in this hamstring upswing: the increasing explosiveness of the game, cautious training methods that inhibit full range of motion and speed, and the COVID-19 abbreviated 2020 season.
I am not a medical professional, but I am somewhat of an artist. I have created this medically accurate illustration of how a hamstring injury might occur in baseball:
Thank you to my injury-prone model, Alex Bregman.
Is everyone in the MLB going to stop pulling their hamstrings?
As I mentioned in my last post, the conditions between the 2020 and 2022 preseasons are a little too similar, albeit for different reasons. Every day the lockout continues, your chances of having healthy hamstrings goes a little down the tubes. When currently unknown variables like the sticky substances ban or juiced balls are thrown into the mix, it can get even more screwy.
However, dear reader, I will provide you with some insight in the hope that the lockout ends soon.
How do I navigate the backside of my players’ thighs?
You do not need to perform a web search for “Carlos Carrasco healthy thighs”. First, it might lead to your significant other grilling you over your questionable search history. Second, I have done a thorough investigation for you.
As I mentioned in my previous post, the greatest predictor of injury is a previous injury. In 2021, Austin Hays, Adam Engel, Brock Holt, Danny Jansen, Ketel Marte, Asdrubal Cabrera, Shogo Akiyama, AJ Pollock, Jake Arrieta, and Wilmer Flores were players that had recurring hamstring injuries that might persist in 2022.
A few players that experience more serious or stubborn hamstring injuries include Kole Calhoun, Nick Madrigal, and Carlos Carrasco.
Although I only mentioned the backside of players’ thighs, quadriceps tightness and injuries can lead to hamstring injuries. So keep your eye on Alex Bregman, George Springer, and Lorenzo Cain.
Finally, keep the 2022 Razzball Fantasy Baseball Rankings and the Razzball Fantasy Baseball Player Rater on hand. You can never be too prepared when a hamstring injury inevitably threatens your 2022 fantasy baseball season!
How did hamstring injuries affect your 2021 fantasy season?
Share in the comments or reply on Twitter: @keelin_12ft.
