With another week of Spring Training behind us, teams are starting to ramp up efforts to decide who wins positional battles, spots in the starting rotation, seats on the bench, and roles in the bullpen. There were no huge injuries this week, but as always, a few nicks and cuts here and there which could end up costing a guy a starting job or a key spot on a team.
Jarrod Parker – A story of resiliency and determination took another upsetting turn last week, as Oakland Athletics pitcher Jarrod Parker suffered yet another arm injury. Parker has already undergone two Tommy John Surgeries and fractured his elbow last year. He came off the mound yelling in pain according to spectators and an MRI revealed that he re-fractured his medial epicondyle in his right elbow. Parker was placed on the 60-day disabled list and is out for the season. Where most players would pack it up and quit, Parker reportedly wants to keep playing and will try to be ready for next season.
Johnny Cueto – Johnny Cueto had the first pitch he threw on Monday hit right back to him. It bounced off of his forehead and ended up in shallow center field. Somehow, the San Francisco Giants decided it would be okay to leave him in to continue pitching in a meaningless Cactus League game. Luckily, he seems to have escaped a potential serious injury, as the team is reporting a mere “forehead contusion.” The team will continue to monitor their big free agent acquisition over the next few days, but so far Cueto has shown no signs of a concussion.
Edwin Encarnacion – The RBI Machine known as Edwin Encarnacion will be shut down for at least a week with an oblique issue. The issue is a minor one according to Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons, but they would prefer not to take any chances with the veteran slugger. After missing time earlier in the Spring due to a dental procedure, Encarnacion has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game. The team will re-evaluate him in a week, but if he can’t get on the field then, his Opening Day status may be in jeopardy.
Victor Martinez – A constant in almost every injury report, Victor Martinez of the Detroit Tigers appears this week with a hurt hamstring. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus says Martinez could be out until at least Sunday. Martinez came up limping after rounding first base on Monday and was diagnosed with a mild left hamstring strain. Luckily, it wasn’t his troublesome knee this time, so he should be able to come back once he is feeling better.
Aaron Altherr – Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Aaron Altherr had surgery on his left wrist last week to repair a torn tendon sheath. He hurt himself on a diving attempt during a Spring Training game, and will miss the next four to six months as he recovers from his injury. Altherr was expected to have a starting job in the Phillies outfield, so he should be returning to a full time role once fully healed.
