This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
Derek Holland
The Rangers set a dubious record last season, utilizing the disabled list 26 times and losing over 2,000 days to injury. Unfortunately, the team is off to another rough start with Yu Darvish already lost fot the season and Matt Harrison on the 60-day DL recovering from back surgery. Now Holland will join them after leaving the team's home opener with shoulder pain. Images taken of the lefty's shoulder revealed a strained subscapularis.
The subscapularis is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. Together these muscles surround the head of the upper arm bone, the humerus, and help stabilize the shoulder. The rotator cuff, as its name suggests, also aids in rotation at the shoulder and is utilized throughout the various phases of pitching.
The fact that the Rangers supplied the specific muscle injured, instead of simply referring to Holland's injury as a rotator cuff strain, provides a great deal of insight into what fantasy owners can expect moving forward.
The subscapularis sits on the back of the shoulder blade. It rotates the arm inward but, perhaps more importantly, also stabilizes and controls movement of the humeral head. For pitchers, the subscapularis is particularly important during the wind-up phase and studies have shown that the timing of its activation is critically important to individuals with shoulder pain. If the subscapularis is strained or weakened, the shoulder becomes susceptible to displacement and other significant injuries.
The importance of the muscle is apparent in the team's
Derek Holland
The Rangers set a dubious record last season, utilizing the disabled list 26 times and losing over 2,000 days to injury. Unfortunately, the team is off to another rough start with Yu Darvish already lost fot the season and Matt Harrison on the 60-day DL recovering from back surgery. Now Holland will join them after leaving the team's home opener with shoulder pain. Images taken of the lefty's shoulder revealed a strained subscapularis.
The subscapularis is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. Together these muscles surround the head of the upper arm bone, the humerus, and help stabilize the shoulder. The rotator cuff, as its name suggests, also aids in rotation at the shoulder and is utilized throughout the various phases of pitching.
The fact that the Rangers supplied the specific muscle injured, instead of simply referring to Holland's injury as a rotator cuff strain, provides a great deal of insight into what fantasy owners can expect moving forward.
The subscapularis sits on the back of the shoulder blade. It rotates the arm inward but, perhaps more importantly, also stabilizes and controls movement of the humeral head. For pitchers, the subscapularis is particularly important during the wind-up phase and studies have shown that the timing of its activation is critically important to individuals with shoulder pain. If the subscapularis is strained or weakened, the shoulder becomes susceptible to displacement and other significant injuries.
The importance of the muscle is apparent in the team's decision to immediately remove Holland from any throwing activities. General manager Jon Daniels said Holland wouldn't even attempt to throw until future images reveal the strain has healed. The left-hander has already been placed on the 60-day DL but fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him once those 60 days are up. A July to mid-July return seems more probable, as he will need to complete a throwing protocol and, more than likely, a rehab assignment. It's also worth mentioning this isn't Holland's first battle with rotator cuff problems, having spent time on the DL in 2010 for cuff inflammation.
Texas will look internally for help, with the recently-acquired Wandy Rodriguez a possible candidate for the rotation. Rodriguez pitched well for the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, surrendering one run while striking out seven in five innings. Holland becomes droppable in most formats, though he should be stashed if a DL spot is available.
Yan Gomes
Cleveland is expected to be without Gomes for at least six weeks after he suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain of his right knee. MCL injuries are common in catchers following impact with a runner. As the individual collides with the outer aspect of the catcher's leg, the ligaments on the inside of the knee are subjected to what is medically known as a valgus force. In Gomes' case, the collision left him with a moderate or Grade 2 sprain. This classification is often used with a partial ligament tear. Fortunately, the MCL heals on its own and surgical intervention will not be required. It also appears that Gomes avoided any meniscus damage, a common occurrence with violent MCL injuries. Given the demands of the position, a six-week return would be a best-case scenario, and a June return seems more likely. In the meantime, Roberto Perez will assume the majority of work behind the plate, with Carlos Santana an option to occasionally spell Perez.
Yordano Ventura
The Royals' ace has two wins already but has been forced from each start due to cramps. His first start ended with a thumb cramp while Sunday's outing was cut short by cramping in his right calf.
A cramp occurs when a muscle involuntarily and often painfully contracts. During activity, athletes are vulnerable to experiencing what is known as a tonic spasm in which the forced muscle contraction is unrelenting and the muscle fails to relax. In the process, the function of the involved muscle becomes limited and the athlete is unable to perform.
The reason an individual cramps appears to vary from person to person and is a topic widely debated. Many theories exist but many believe most cramps are the result of overuse and fatigue. Fluid loss and electrolyte levels also appear to be contributing factors. A number of studies even suggest that some athletes may simply be genetically predisposed to cramping. Whatever the reason, the Royals will need to figure out a way to combat these episodes. If they don't, the team runs the risk of Ventura straining one of the affected muscles and missing a prolonged period of time. Fantasy owners shouldn't let this effect the way in which they employ Ventura but the situation is one worth monitoring.
Check Swings
Shin-Soo Choo
The Rangers got a bit of good news, as the back spasms that hampered Choo in the home opener dissipated enough to allow him to play Sunday. He entered the game as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game. He should still be considered day-to-day but it's an encouraging sign for the upcoming week.
Felix Hernandez
Hernandez doesn't expect to miss his next start despite experiencing tightness in his right quadriceps. The injury isn't overly concerning at the moment and fantasy owners should consider the 2010 Cy Young winner day-to-day.
Koji Uehara
The Red Sox will welcome back their closer, as Uehara is expected to be activated from the DL after missing the start of the season with a hamstring strain. His final rehab appearance was a bit rocky, as he surrendered a run and three hits in one inning. He may need a week or two to shake off some accumulated rust, but he remains a viable relief option.
Justin Verlander
The Tigers' pitcher continues to progress through rehab for a triceps strain. While he is eligible to come off the DL on Monday, he won't be ready for activation just yet. He is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Wednesday and will continue to advance through the various steps of his throwing protocol. The 2011 MVP shouldn't be utilized this week and remains a risky play for the following week.
