Diamond Cuts: A Core Problem

Miguel Cabrera

Before Monday's two home runs and three RBI performance, the reigning AL MVP has looked anything but spectacular. His overall hitting numbers have dipped this season and took a considerable turn for the worse during August. He finished the month with one home run, a .252 batting average, and a .336 slugging percentage. However it appears injuries may be to blame for his struggles.

In September of the 2012 season, Cabrera was limited down the stretch after spraining his right ankle. Last September it was a groin injury that ultimately required offseason sports hernia surgery to repair. Now with the calendar set to once again change, it appears a combination of the two previous injuries may be in play.

Cabrera initially re-injured his right ankle a few weeks back while sliding into home plate. He has since aggravated the area and did not play Sunday after the pain returned in Saturday's game, forcing him from the lineup. Couple this lingering pain with reoccurring abdominal and groin pain from this summer's abdominal surgery and it's easy to see why Cabrera is struggling at the plate, especially with his power numbers.

The majority of strength and speed when swinging a bat is generated from the lower extremities and the core. Any weakness or pain would create a functional limitation, preventing Cabrera from smoothly swinging a bat with the maximum amount of force. Given that Miggy is struggling with issues in both areas, it's not surprising to see manager Brad Ausmus discuss the possibility of sitting his slugger for an extended period of time. The impressive performance on Labor Day may convince Ausmus that a four or five day break isn't warranted but be prepared for Cabrera to sit more frequently in an attempt to maximize his abilities down the stretch.

Check Swings

Homer Bailey: The Reds transferred Bailey to the 60-day disabled list effectively ending his season. The right-hander has not pitched since August 7 after being diagnosed with a small tear in the tendon of his flexor bundle. A recent MRI revealed the injury is not fully healed and Cincinnati elected to shut him down rather than rushing a recovery. Surgery remains an option and that will ultimately determine how he will spend his offseason and spring.

Carlos Gomez: A left wrist injury caused Gomez to leave Sunday's blowout loss prematurely. Gomez injured the wrist on a swinging strike and admitted after the game he felt a pop in the area. He did not play Monday. X-rays on the wrist were negative but the pop sound is more indicative of a ligament or tendon injury. A MRI should be utilized to properly evaluate these structures and is likely on tap when Gomez meets with doctors for further tests. Don't count on him playing until a final diagnosis is made.

Jacoby Ellsbury: The speedy leadoff hitter did not start Sunday but managed to make a pinch hit appearance as he manages a left ankle sprain. The Yankees were one of the few teams to not play on Labor Day, providing Ellsbury some built in time to rest and meet with team physicians. A MRI is on the docket and more information should be provided in the near future. Even if he does play when New York returns to action, play it safe and keep him on the bench until he can prove the ankle won't limit his productivity.

Eric Hosmer: The Royals impressive season will get a boost with the return of Hosmer. He has missed over a month with a stress fracture in his hand. Luckily he avoided going under the knife, meaning the bone tissue was the only thing that needed to heal. Bone tissue is capable of returning to its original strength, meaning Hosmer should be fine moving forward. He was one of Kansas City's best hitters prior to the injury but may need time to readjust and establish a rhythm moving forward.

Daniel Hudson: The Diamondbacks have activated Hudson from the DL. The move is significant, as he has not pitched since June of 2012. The once promising pitcher has since suffered two UCL tears and required two Tommy John procedures. He may not make an impact this season but he could be a player worth targeting next year.

Dustin Pedroia: The Red Sox second baseman will likely sit for most of the week as he continues to experience concussion-related symptoms. Pedroia was injured when the Rays' Logan Forsythe inadvertently struck him in the head while sliding into second base. Manager John Farrell said Pedroia is still exhibiting symptoms at rest and has not been cleared for activity. The MLB concussion protocol requires a player to be asymptomatic at rest and with activity. He will be withheld from baseball-related activities and games until he is symptom free and completed the league-mandated protocol. Pedroia will need several days to carry out this process and can't be counted on in weekly leagues. A trip to the 7-day DL may also be in play.

Anthony Rizzo: The Cubs All-Star has not played in seven days as he continues to battle tightness in his lower back. The team had hoped he would be feeling better by Monday but he was once again a spectator as the stiffness continues to linger. An official diagnosis has not been provided though the problem appears muscular in nature. A MRI could be on tap to supply Rizzo and the team better insight to specifics surrounding the injury.

Masahiro Tanaka: The weekly Tanaka updates comes with an unfortunate step backward as the Japanese pitcher attempts to comeback from a partially torn UCL. Tanaka threw 89 pitches in a simulated game Thursday but experienced soreness and pain throughout his right arm. While the Yankees insist the pain is not related directly to the elbow, the chances of Tanaka pitching again this season will diminish as a result. Surgery remains a possibility and, the longer it is delayed, the more likely this injury is to impact next season as well.