This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The Brewers All Star closer has been placed on the DL with a substantial hamstring strain. Hamstring injuries are more common in position players but can significantly impact a pitcher. Knebel's injury occurred to his left hamstring, meaning his lead leg is the one involved. The hamstring muscle group is responsible for knee flexion and hip extension. As a result, the muscles are active during the cocking phase of pitching.
When Knebel violently hurls his arm and body forward to deliver a pitch, his momentum transfers from his back leg to his now-injured lead leg. At this point, the lead leg is now serving as a lever arm for the considerable amounts of force the pitcher is generating. Additionally, the motion is considered a closed-chain activity, meaning the hamstrings play a role in extension of the knee and must be activated appropriately to help support the pitcher. A strained hamstring would hinder this activity and could potential lead to other issues, particularly in the shoulder and elbow.
The team was happy to hear surgery isn't necessary but don't expect Knebel to return until late May or even June. Keep in mind hamstring injuries tend to be fickle, and Knebel will return with a moderate degree of risk. The Brewers plan on a closer by committee approach with Jacob Barnes, Jeremy Jeffress, Matt Albers and Dan Jennings possible ninth inning options. This doesn't make for a particularly fantasy friendly setup, though Jeffress is the most experienced of
The Brewers All Star closer has been placed on the DL with a substantial hamstring strain. Hamstring injuries are more common in position players but can significantly impact a pitcher. Knebel's injury occurred to his left hamstring, meaning his lead leg is the one involved. The hamstring muscle group is responsible for knee flexion and hip extension. As a result, the muscles are active during the cocking phase of pitching.
When Knebel violently hurls his arm and body forward to deliver a pitch, his momentum transfers from his back leg to his now-injured lead leg. At this point, the lead leg is now serving as a lever arm for the considerable amounts of force the pitcher is generating. Additionally, the motion is considered a closed-chain activity, meaning the hamstrings play a role in extension of the knee and must be activated appropriately to help support the pitcher. A strained hamstring would hinder this activity and could potential lead to other issues, particularly in the shoulder and elbow.
The team was happy to hear surgery isn't necessary but don't expect Knebel to return until late May or even June. Keep in mind hamstring injuries tend to be fickle, and Knebel will return with a moderate degree of risk. The Brewers plan on a closer by committee approach with Jacob Barnes, Jeremy Jeffress, Matt Albers and Dan Jennings possible ninth inning options. This doesn't make for a particularly fantasy friendly setup, though Jeffress is the most experienced of the bunch.
Suárez was off to a stellar start to year, batting .308 with two home runs and seven RBIs. Sadly, he'll be sidelined for an indefinite amount of time after suffering a fractured thumb over the weekend.
The thumb is a complex joint, comprised of three bones, the two phalanges and the first metacarpal. The carpometacarpal joint is located at the base of the thumb where the metacarpal articulates with a small bone of the wrist forming a saddle-shaped joint. The carpometacarpal joint makes the thumb a highly mobile digit capable of moving in multiple directions.
The second bone of the thumb is the proximal phalanx. This bone connects to the previously mentioned first metacarpal to form the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The next and final bone is known as the distal phalanx, which forms the tip of the thumb.
The location and type of Suárez's fracture likely will dictate his estimated recovery timeline. A displaced fracture would likely require surgery to stabilize the area, forcing the infielder out for at least six weeks. A nondisplaced fracture, especially one to the distal phalanx would require less time off. A quicker return to play is possible, as fractures in the tip of the thumb are less functionally limiting; the break can be stabilized but the rest of the thumb remains mobile. The Reds have provided a bit of hope that this is a possibility when they detailed the nail damage sustained by Suárez following the incident.
Suárez likely will visit a specialist in the coming days, and a more definitive course of action should surface by midweek. Plan for him to sit through the rest of the month and hope the detailed exam allows for an early May return. Early reports also hint that prospect Nick Senzel won't be called up to replace Suárez. Instead, look for Cincinnati to turn to Alex Blandino for the immediate future.
Check Swings
Xander Bogaerts:The Red Sox shortstop made an early exit from Sunday's comeback win over the Rays after he awkwardly slid into the dugout while pursuing a wild throw. The team currently is describing the injury as a "left ankle injury." Look for more information to trickle out by late Monday. Fantasy owners with stock in Bogaerts should hope for a mild ankle sprain that doesn't require a trip to the DL.
Adam Eaton: The Nationals welcomed Eaton back to the lineup on Sunday after the outfielder was limited by a minor ankle injury. Eaton tweaked his left ankle Thursday on an awkward slide at the plate. The injury was later linked to a "little scar tissue" within the joint. Last season Eaton suffered a high ankle sprain on the same play in which he endured his torn ACL.
While his current ailment didn't sideline him long, I'd be a little bit worried if I was an Eaton owner. Scar tissue can be problematic in the ankle and lead to impingement in the area. A surgical debridement is often the best direct treatment for this type of injury. While it doesn't appear Eaton is anywhere near going under the knife, keep an eye on his everyday availability to determine whether this could develop into a recurring issue.
Jake Lamb: Arizona's starting third base man has been sent to the DL with an acromioclavicular (AC) sprain in his left shoulder. The AC joint sits where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade and serves as a strut for the shoulder, allowing the arm to be raised overhead. Multiple ligaments fortify the area but are susceptible to injury. Mild AC joints can resolve quickly, though more moderate sprains are accompanied by a lengthy recovery window. Regardless of severity, the team has wisely stated Lamb won't be allowed to resume any on-field activities until the associated pain and soreness has resolved. As a result, look for Lamb to sit beyond the initial 10 days with a three-to-four week absence more realistic.
Anthony Rizzo: The Cubs continue to treat Rizzo's lower back stiffness and tightness conservatively and are expected to hold their All-Star first baseman out for the fourth straight game on Monday. The team has a scheduled day off Tuesday, meaning one more missed games would result in five consecutive days of rest and treatment. The injury isn't alarming at this point, but stiffness is more of a symptom than an actual diagnosis. It does suggest a potential muscle-related injury, though it hasn't been called a strain publicly. He will be a bit of a gamble this week though his upside may be too high to ignore.
George Springer: The reigning World Series champions proactively removed Springer from Sunday's contest after the outfielder experienced stiffness in his leg. The move was described as precautionary and the Astros plan on limiting Springer to DH duties on Monday. Springer has struggled out the gate, and an injury, even a mild one, could further limit his productivity.
