Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Kershaw's Injury is Complex

Clayton Kershaw

Baseball's most dominant pitcher landed on the disabled list last week with a herniated disk in his lower back. The injury is a complex ailment with potential long-term ramifications.

Between each segment of the spine sits an intravertebral disk. Each disk is specially formed to allow movement in the back while also enabling it to absorb the various amounts of stress put on and through the spine. Each disk has a structure similar to that of a jelly-filled doughnut. The outer portion of the disk is known as the annulus fibrosis and is akin to the baked dough of the sugary breakfast treat. Both represent the thicker part of their respective configurations and help give it shape and structure.

Like the jelly hidden within the dough, the annulus fibrosis surrounds a softer, cushiony center known as the nucleus pulposus. This core is comprised primarily of water but also includes protein fibers that given it a jelly-like consistency. If enough pressure is gradually or violently applied to the disk, the nucleus pulposus can bulge out in a way similar to the jelly escaping a jelly doughnut if you were to squeeze it. If this happens to an intravertebral disk it is known as a herniated disk or slipped disk.

The severity of the issue depends on the degree of herniation. If the bulge is small, the issue can be corrected with physical rehab and other non-surgical techniques. However, should the bulge impede the spinal cord and irritate nerves in the area, surgery may be warranted. Individuals experiencing this type of herniation often report shooting pain and weakness that extends into the lower extremities.

Fortunately for Kershaw owners, his herniated disk appears to be mild. The Dodgers are confident he can stabilize the area of concern with physically therapy and can avoid going under the knife. They have also opted to utilize an epidural steroid injection to help manage the inflammation in the area and relieve his pain.

Regrettably, the team is unable to provide a timeline for the three-time Cy Young Award winner's return, likely due to the unpredictability of the injury. A late July to early August comeback seems realistic, but the situation remains fluid. Los Angeles is evaluating the trade market and weighing all options. The impressive return of Brandon McCarthy and the impending return of Hyun-Jin Ryu will help ease the loss and should serve as respectable fill-ins for fantasy owners left staggering without Kershaw.

Zack Greinke

Kershaw's former teammate is also on the DL after suffering an oblique strain. Originally diagnosed as tightness, the injury was later upgraded to a strain following additional testing.

Unfortunately, the fact that the right-handed Greinke strained the oblique on his left side doesn't necessarily mean he will be back any quicker. There are actually two sets of oblique muscles, situated on either side of the rib cage. Both sets are made up of two groups, the internal and external oblique muscle groups. Each individual group works together with the opposite group located on the contralateral side. Simply put, the muscles on one side contract with the other group on the opposite side to complete trunk rotation.

For a right-handed pitcher like Greinke, this means his left internal obliques fire along with his right external obliques to complete the motions necessary to throw a pitch or swing a bat. Without knowing which specific group Greinke strained, it's hard to predict exactly how it will affect his delivery. The Diamondbacks have stated the strain is mild and are optimistic he can return some time shortly following the All-Star break. However, it's more likely his return stretches into late July as he works his way back into form.

Check Swings

Kris Bryant: An outfield collision earlier in the season cost Chicago the hard-hitting Kyle Schwarber, so it's understandable that Cubs fans feared the worst when Bryant collided with teammate Albert Almora Jr. on Monday. Fortunately, Bryant walked away with a just a bruised lower leg despite departing the game shortly after the injury occurred. Bryant is expected back in the lineup Tuesday and should be used as normal.

Yu Darvish: The Rangers ace made his first rehab start Monday, striking out five batters in a little more than two innings. The team held Darvish to just 42 pitches and expects him to make at least one more minor-league appearance. Look for him to rejoin the team following the break. Darvish's return will be a welcome addition for a team that has three key members of its starting rotation sidelined by injury.

Stephen Strasburg: While Strasburg was impressive in his return over the weekend, it's a more of a reminder of the reward that comes with taking a risk on the right-hander than a clear indicator that he's 100 percent healthy. There is no denying his talent, but the number of health problems that have bothered him since he entered the league is problematic. As a result, he will continue to be a precarious pick with plenty of upside. Tread cautiously and enjoy his productivity when you can.

Joe Ross: The Nationals put Ross on the DL to make way for Strasburg. Ross has been diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation. Washington has handled Ross' health conservatively throughout the season and has given every indication they are willing to continue to do so to ensure his long-term availability. The injury does allow the Nationals to keep top prospect Lucas Giolito on the big-league roster. Giolito pitched four effective innings last week before rain forced him from the game.

Jordan Zimmermann: The Tigers placed Zimmermann on the DL on Monday with a neck strain. The 30-year-old experienced discomfort in the area following his last start. The exact muscle involved was not reported, though the Tigers did reveal the strain is isolated to the right side of his neck. The issue may be the culprit behind Zimmermann's recent struggles. Look for him to return shortly following the All-Star break.