This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
Jean Segura
The first few weeks of the season have been tough for the entire Brewers organization but the play of Segura has been one of the few bright spots. Unfortunately, he could be out for a few days, if not longer, after getting beaned by an errant pitch from Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop. Segura was removed from the game after reporting he was nauseated. Nausea is just one off a lengthy list of possible symptoms linked to a concussion and he will now be evaluated to determine the extent of his head injury. These findings will allow for a proper diagnosis but determining how long Segura could be sidelined is a bit more complicated.
Concussions are the hot topic in sports medicine. Millions of dollars are being invested to research the injury across multiple sports and levels of play. Unfortunately, part of the problem in creating any kind of universal protocol or treatment plan is the high degree of variability in the injury itself. Some players will immediately report symptoms but show no signs of an injury 24 hours later. Others will appear fine following a hard hit or collision but begin experiencing delayed symptoms within days of the incident.
To combat the high degree of unpredictability, medical personnel must deal with each concussion on an individual basis using the information made available. When a concussion is suspected, a player will be thoroughly evaluated to determine the extent of the injury. If a concussion is diagnosed, the individual
Jean Segura
The first few weeks of the season have been tough for the entire Brewers organization but the play of Segura has been one of the few bright spots. Unfortunately, he could be out for a few days, if not longer, after getting beaned by an errant pitch from Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop. Segura was removed from the game after reporting he was nauseated. Nausea is just one off a lengthy list of possible symptoms linked to a concussion and he will now be evaluated to determine the extent of his head injury. These findings will allow for a proper diagnosis but determining how long Segura could be sidelined is a bit more complicated.
Concussions are the hot topic in sports medicine. Millions of dollars are being invested to research the injury across multiple sports and levels of play. Unfortunately, part of the problem in creating any kind of universal protocol or treatment plan is the high degree of variability in the injury itself. Some players will immediately report symptoms but show no signs of an injury 24 hours later. Others will appear fine following a hard hit or collision but begin experiencing delayed symptoms within days of the incident.
To combat the high degree of unpredictability, medical personnel must deal with each concussion on an individual basis using the information made available. When a concussion is suspected, a player will be thoroughly evaluated to determine the extent of the injury. If a concussion is diagnosed, the individual must then complete the return to play protocol that includes remaining symptom free at rest and with exertion. Additionally, the player must pass a neurocognitive test (compared to a preseason baseline score) and receive clearance from a club physician. The club also has the option to utilize a seven-day disabled list specifically for concussed players.
For fantasy owners, the uncertainty of a concussion can complicate roster decisions. However, like the medical team treating the injury, erring on the side of caution is likely the safest bet. It's also important to remember that the effects of concussions are cumulative, meaning an individual who has previously suffered a concussion is more likely to experience more severe or longer lasting symptoms.
As of Monday morning the Brewers had not officially diagnosed Segura with a concussion but reports have surfaced that a CT scan was negative. He didn't travel back to Milwaukee with the rest of the team on Sunday night and his availability for Monday remains unknown. It seems probable that he misses a game or two and I think it's worth looking elsewhere in weekly leagues until more information is provided.
Anthony Rendon
The Nationals' infielder has been a source of frustration since injuring his knee in spring training. The damage to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) appeared to be minor but multiple setbacks in the rehab process have delayed his return. Despite the knee reportedly feeling better, Rendon was scratched from a rehab appearance over the weekend after he felt tightness in his left side. This is the second time during his rehab stint that he has reported issues with his side and it now appears another injury could push back his return date.
The fact that Rendon is now dealing with an apparent muscle injury in his core isn't completely surprising. The synergistic relationship between trunk muscle activity and lower extremity movement is well documented. Studies show that decreased core stability may make the affected individual susceptible to lower extremity injuries and vice versa. Until Rendon effectively treats both issues, the imbalance will remain and he will continue to experience the associated symptoms. The longer these problems linger, the less likely I would be to invest in the 2014 Silver Slugger winner. The situation is only complicated by the team continually shifting him around the diamond. Continue to stash Rendon if you are already committed but don't waste your free agent money or waiver claim at this time.
Masahiro Tanaka
It seemed inevitable to some but the Yankees ace has indeed been placed on the DL. Tanaka was a question mark entering this year's drafts after opting to forgo Tommy John surgery on his injured ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). He appeared to have made the right decision but the second guessing has already begun, with Tanaka now expected to miss a month with right wrist tendinitis and a strain in his forearm. While the MRI did not reveal any changes in the integrity of Tanaka's UCL, the forearm strain is a bit alarming. The muscles of the forearm and the UCL originate and attach in close proximity to one another. They work together to maintain stability at the elbow and when one weakens, the other picks up the slack. Therefore, it's a troubling sign to see Tanaka dealing with an issue to an already vulnerable area. The Yankees expect him to miss at least a month and I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being longer.
Check Swings
Greg Holland
Holland's pectoral strain is improving, and he could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Tuesday. Utilizing him in weekly leagues might be unwise as he could need a few reps to return to top form, but those in daily leagues should plug him back into their lineups.
Matt Moore
The Rays' pitcher is progressing smoothly through rehab for Tommy John surgery. He reported feeling good following his first session throwing to hitters and appeared to have both control and velocity with his pitches. The team has still not set a firm timetable on his return but a mid-June comeback appears possible.
Hunter Pence
Pence could begin a rehab assignment within the week after he was able to participate in batting practice over the weekend. Out since fracturing his forearm during spring training, Pence remains a sneaky waiver wire target as the bone appears to have healed and the outfielder reportedly showed signs of pop in his bat. He remains in line for a mid-May return.
Yasiel Puig
The Dodgers' outfielder is responding well to treatment and is likely to be activated when he becomes eligible on May 10. He's set to begin a rehab assignment in the next few days that should serve as a good indicator on his overall health status. He will maintain a certain degree of risk for a few weeks following his return but should be utilized in all formats.
