This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The St. Louis Cardinals
It was a rough few days for the Red Birds as three key members of the team limped off the field during their weekend series with the Brewers. The first player down was ace Adam Wainwright, who suffered a left ankle and Achilles injury while batting. The Achilles is the conjoined tendon of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, the muscles responsible for pointing the toes in a motion known as plantar flexion. They play a key role in jumping and accelerating when running and are often injured when an individual attempts an explosive movement, like leaving the batter's box.
The extent of Wainwright's injury has not yet been confirmed, but it appears severe and the Cardinals are already prepping to be without him for the remainder of the season. While most injuries require a MRI for confirmation, a significant injury to the Achilles is easily diagnosed with the use of a special test utilized by medical personal. This test, the Thompson test, is one of the more accurate examination tools employed for lower-extremity issues. The MRI will still be necessary to determine the severity of the damage but, again, it sounds like St. Louis is well aware Wainwright's availability for the remainder of the season is in doubt.
Wainwright's career may also be altered by the final outcome of the injury. Achilles injuries and any necessary surgeries are generally accompanied by an extended period of recovery and rehab. NBA players rarely return to peak performance
The St. Louis Cardinals
It was a rough few days for the Red Birds as three key members of the team limped off the field during their weekend series with the Brewers. The first player down was ace Adam Wainwright, who suffered a left ankle and Achilles injury while batting. The Achilles is the conjoined tendon of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, the muscles responsible for pointing the toes in a motion known as plantar flexion. They play a key role in jumping and accelerating when running and are often injured when an individual attempts an explosive movement, like leaving the batter's box.
The extent of Wainwright's injury has not yet been confirmed, but it appears severe and the Cardinals are already prepping to be without him for the remainder of the season. While most injuries require a MRI for confirmation, a significant injury to the Achilles is easily diagnosed with the use of a special test utilized by medical personal. This test, the Thompson test, is one of the more accurate examination tools employed for lower-extremity issues. The MRI will still be necessary to determine the severity of the damage but, again, it sounds like St. Louis is well aware Wainwright's availability for the remainder of the season is in doubt.
Wainwright's career may also be altered by the final outcome of the injury. Achilles injuries and any necessary surgeries are generally accompanied by an extended period of recovery and rehab. NBA players rarely return to peak performance following an Achilles rupture, though the injury is less common in baseball. As a result, the sample size for what to expect for Wainwright is particularly small. Former All-Star pitcher Jose Contreras suffered an Achilles rupture late in his career and was able to return the following season. He struggled in his first season back, bouncing between the bullpen and the starting rotation. Contreras would ultimately settle in as a back-end member of the bullpen for both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Wainwright is several years younger than Contreras was at the time of the injury, but logged nearly 600 more innings before the incident. Wainwright faces an uphill battle and the injury not only affects his one-year value but also his long-term value in keeper or dynasty leagues.
Behind the dish is also a problem, as Yadier Molina was unable to play Saturday or Sunday after taking an errant ball off his right knee. The knee remains sore and swollen but the Cardinals do not anticipate it will require a trip to the disabled list. Knee injuries, even minor contusions, can be particularly limiting for catchers as they are unable to comfortably get into the squatting position.
Jason Heyward joined Molina and Wainwright in the athletic training room Sunday with what was originally called a lower-body injury. The team has since termed Heyward's injury as left groin tightness and considers him day-to-day. The explanation is a bit vague but does at least suggest the injury is muscular in nature. Heyward does not have lengthy history of lower-extremity issues but he remains a risky play in weekly formats.
Check Swings
Jose Bautista
The Blue Jays' slugger has missed five straight games with a strained right shoulder. The team has yet to consider a DL stint but is instead using alternative forms of treatment to see if they can see an improvement. One of the options includes acupuncture, a treatment utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese believe that the insertion of needles into specific points along the body will help refocus its natural energy flow. The effectiveness of acupuncture remains highly debated but many believe it can relieve pain and soreness. Regardless of how it happens, Bautista has to show signs of progress or face an extended period of time off. Given what we know, I can't see the five-time All-Star being a reliable option this week.
Jacoby Ellsbury
The Yankees' outfielder did not play in the finale of the Subway Series against the Mets on Sunday. He was pulled from Saturday's game with right hip tightness and manager Joe Girardi opted to give his speedster the day off Sunday. The move was a shrewd decision given Ellsbury's previous lower-legs issues, including a hamstring strain on this same leg that prematurely ended his 2014 season. The hamstring works synergistically with the hip flexors to control leg motion. The team is optimistic he will be available Monday against the Rays, and while I would keep him in your lineup, scale back your expectations until he's proven this issue is behind him.
Yasiel Puig
The Dodgers finally placed Puig on the DL after his strained left hamstring showed no signs of improvement. As I discussed in last week's column, the injury is an unfortunate setback for the immediate future but the proactive approach allows Puig the best chance to move past the injury and be available for the remainder of the regular season and beyond. Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and rookie Joc Pederson will now man the outfield.
Max Scherzer
Wainwright wasn't the only National League pitcher injured while batting. Scherzer "jammed" his right thumb late last week after hitting a ground ball. The right-hander has since referred to the injury as a "little sprain" and hopes to make his next scheduled start Tuesday. However, even something as minor as an unstable thumb could have a major cascade effect on a pitcher, and the fact that he was unable to pitch a bullpen session over the weekend is a troubling sign. Look elsewhere this week until we know whether or not Scherzer can pitch, and pitch effectively, with the injury.
Ben Zobrist
The versatile infielder will miss at least four weeks after it was discovered he will need surgery to address a minor tear in menisci in his left knee. Zobrist will undergo a meniscectomy to remove the damaged cartilage. The procedure will allow him to bounce back quickly but will make him more susceptible to chronic injuries, like osteoarthritis, for the remainder of his career. The injury will muddle up the Oakland infield, with the struggling Eric Sogard reassuming second base and rookie Max Muncy providing backup.
