This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
Yasiel Puig
Puig remains limited by a balky left hamstring that has kept him out of the lineup for four of the last five games. The Dodgers have one of the most proactive medical staffs in Major League Baseball and it wouldn't be surprising to see them treat Puig's current situation conservatively.
Lower extremity muscle injuries are often problematic as they disrupt the biomechanical rhythm of the lower body, make the injured player susceptible to other injuries, and are often easily aggravated. Hamstring injuries are particularly challenging based on the manner in which they heal. To repair a strain, the body randomly lays down new collagen fibers in the area of the damage. These newly constructed muscle fibers adequately fill in the gaps but remain weak until they have been completely integrated as part of the original muscle.
Any attempt to return before the fibers are substantially healed can cause the entire healing process to begin again. As a result, time is of the utmost importance in recovery. A 15-day DL stint when the injury first occurs can prevent a hamstring problem from becoming a reoccurring nightmare.
Puig's injury history is yet another factor that should further push the Dodgers to play it safely. Last season, the All-Star outfielder strained his left hip flexor and hamstring at various points during the year. While he's previously avoided the DL, the accumulation of these injuries is likely to finally force a move. The team should make a decision in the near future
Yasiel Puig
Puig remains limited by a balky left hamstring that has kept him out of the lineup for four of the last five games. The Dodgers have one of the most proactive medical staffs in Major League Baseball and it wouldn't be surprising to see them treat Puig's current situation conservatively.
Lower extremity muscle injuries are often problematic as they disrupt the biomechanical rhythm of the lower body, make the injured player susceptible to other injuries, and are often easily aggravated. Hamstring injuries are particularly challenging based on the manner in which they heal. To repair a strain, the body randomly lays down new collagen fibers in the area of the damage. These newly constructed muscle fibers adequately fill in the gaps but remain weak until they have been completely integrated as part of the original muscle.
Any attempt to return before the fibers are substantially healed can cause the entire healing process to begin again. As a result, time is of the utmost importance in recovery. A 15-day DL stint when the injury first occurs can prevent a hamstring problem from becoming a reoccurring nightmare.
Puig's injury history is yet another factor that should further push the Dodgers to play it safely. Last season, the All-Star outfielder strained his left hip flexor and hamstring at various points during the year. While he's previously avoided the DL, the accumulation of these injuries is likely to finally force a move. The team should make a decision in the near future and Puig is a risky play this week. However, a few missed games now will give the Dodgers the best chance at having a healthy Puig for the remainder of the year.
Travis d'Arnaud
The Mets' catcher will miss a significant amount of time after breaking his right hand. The location of the fracture has not been released and d'Arnaud is slated to visit a specialist in the coming days. This information will provide a considerable amount of insight as to what the Mets will do and how long d'Arnaud will be sidelined.
The wrist, hand, and fingers are comprised of the metacarpals, carpals and phalanges. As previously stated, the amount of required recovery time is dependent on the involved bone and the nature of the break. If the bone remains aligned, it is considered non-displaced. Non-displaced fractures simply need time to heal. However, if the bone shifted during impact, it is considered displaced and surgery is often required to align the bone and ensure proper healing. The Mets should release more information as it becomes available, but a minimum of four weeks out should be expected.
Alex Rios
In Kansas City, the details regarding Rios' hand fracture have already surfaced. The right fielder suffered a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal. The metacarpals are the five bones that make up the hand. The second and third metacarpals, located beneath the pointer and middle fingers, are tightly anchored to the bones of the wrist. As a result, they provide stability and are largely immobile. However, the fourth and fifth metacarpals, located below the ring and pinkie fingers, are mobile to allow for a high degree of motion at the wrist and pinkie, and fractures to this area often require additional time to heal. Rios will avoid surgery but has been ruled out indefinitely. Given the bones' involvement with movement and grip strength, don't expect to see him back until late May or early June.
Jake Peavy
The Giants' right-hander is expected to spend at least three weeks on the DL after the strain in his lower back failed to improve. Unfortunately, the situation isn't as cut-and-dry as it may appear. The strain is having a direct impact on his sacroiliac (SI) joint and causing other problematic issues. The SI joint is located where the lower portion of the spine (the sacrum) fuses with the Ilium of the hip. The stress placed on the spine is absorbed while other various types of stress are transferred between the back and lower extremities. SI dysfunction causes problems in the lower back, hips and, sometimes, down further into the legs. The Giants will have to not only treat the strain but also work to get the SI joint back in alignment to avoid continued problems in his hips. The team has already hinted that he will miss at least three weeks.
Check Swings
Billy Hamilton
The Reds' speedster has been slowed by a sore right groin but insists it will not force him out of the lineup. While he may in fact continue to play, fantasy owners should anticipate a dip in his stolen bases for the immediate future.
Greg Holland
Holland was placed on the DL with a pectoral strain just one day after recording his fourth save. While it may seem odd to see a pitcher suffer an injury to a muscle normally considered to be part of the chest, the pectoral muscles actually attach to the shoulder and play a part in fluid shoulder motion. It doesn't appear the injury is too severe, though expecting Holland back in 15 days would be unwise. He will need time to get back into rhythm and could require a brief rehab assignment. Wade Davis will take over the closer role and becomes a must-add in all formats.
Jake McGee
The Rays' closer is inching toward a return and is slated to begin a three-game rehab assignment. He reported no issues following a bullpen session over the weekend and should be back on the mound by early May. McGee's long-term outlook should be fine as his offseason surgery was not reconstructive in nature but instead a simple debridement. With the problematic loose bodies removed and McGee smoothly progressing, pick up the hard-throwing left-hander if he's still available.
Justin Verlander
The 2011 Cy Young winner continues to move in the wrong direction. He has battled triceps problems since exiting a spring outing with cramping in the muscle. The Tigers had hoped a DL stint wasn't necessary but that was unavoidable as soreness in the area lingered. The achiness continues to persist and the team was recently forced to scale back his rehab protocol. It seems likely that the Tigers' medical staff will have their ace undergo further testing to determine why the triceps is still an issue. Like the Tigers, fantasy owners remain in limbo and will simply have to wait for more information to surface.
David Wright
Wright faces a similar situation to the one previously discussed with Puig. The Mets' third baseman has already been placed on the 15-day DL with a mild strain to his right hamstring. Like Puig, Wright has a history of hamstring problems having previously missed seven weeks during the 2013 season with another right hamstring strain. The most recent episode does not appear to be as serious, though the Mets expect him to miss at least three weeks. Given his history, don't be surprised if he ends up missing an additional week or two.
