Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Not His Fault

Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Not His Fault

This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.

Troy Tulowitzki
The Blue Jays will be forced to continue their push for the postseason without one of their big midseason acquisitions after Tulowitzki suffered a fractured scapula following a collision with teammate Kevin Pillar in the first game of Saturday's double-header. The scapula, better known as the shoulder blade, is one of the less frequently broken bones of the body, and while surgery is rarely necessary, healing does have its complications. It sounds like Tulowitzki's break occurred to the body, or main, portion of the shoulder blade. This area forms the scapulothoracic articulation (ST joint), the "third joint" of the shoulder that occurs with movement between the shoulder blade and the rib cage. While the ST joint isn't a true joint, it is a primary component of fluid shoulder movement, effecting the high degree of motion at both the glenohumeral joint AND the acromioclavicular joint. Any limitation related to the fracture could disrupt the entire rhythm of the shoulder and prove limiting in throwing and swinging a bat.

Fortunately Tulowitzki's break is being described as small and the Blue Jays medical team will take the necessary steps to minimize any potential cascade injuries. Look for Tulowitzki to be back in three to four weeks unless he experiences an unforeseen setback.

The injury also extends Tulo's already lengthy list of career injuries that includes multiple lower leg strains, contusions to the hand, forearm and elbow, a broken wrist, a broken rib and surgery to remove scar tissue impending on a

Troy Tulowitzki
The Blue Jays will be forced to continue their push for the postseason without one of their big midseason acquisitions after Tulowitzki suffered a fractured scapula following a collision with teammate Kevin Pillar in the first game of Saturday's double-header. The scapula, better known as the shoulder blade, is one of the less frequently broken bones of the body, and while surgery is rarely necessary, healing does have its complications. It sounds like Tulowitzki's break occurred to the body, or main, portion of the shoulder blade. This area forms the scapulothoracic articulation (ST joint), the "third joint" of the shoulder that occurs with movement between the shoulder blade and the rib cage. While the ST joint isn't a true joint, it is a primary component of fluid shoulder movement, effecting the high degree of motion at both the glenohumeral joint AND the acromioclavicular joint. Any limitation related to the fracture could disrupt the entire rhythm of the shoulder and prove limiting in throwing and swinging a bat.

Fortunately Tulowitzki's break is being described as small and the Blue Jays medical team will take the necessary steps to minimize any potential cascade injuries. Look for Tulowitzki to be back in three to four weeks unless he experiences an unforeseen setback.

The injury also extends Tulo's already lengthy list of career injuries that includes multiple lower leg strains, contusions to the hand, forearm and elbow, a broken wrist, a broken rib and surgery to remove scar tissue impending on a nerve in his groin. While some of these injuries are worrisome and suggest the All-Star shortstop has a proclivity to injury, a large number of them are simply the result of bad luck, including this most recent ailment.

Bryce Harper
The Nationals outfielder avoided a serious injury after a collision in Sunday's win over the Marlins. Harper ran into Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich while attempting to advance to third. He reported feeling dizzy and the Washington medical team wisely removed him from the game. He was properly evaluated for a concussion and passed each test. Often teams that do not properly treat athletes with a suspected head injury are rightfully criticized. Likewise, the Nationals training staff should be commended for properly implementing the league's protocol and playing it safely, even with their biggest star. The team will monitor Harper on Monday prior to the start of their three-game series with the Phillies before clearing him to play. Unless symptoms manifest overnight or in the morning, feel free to utilize Harper as normal.

Mark Teixeira
The Yankees' offense suffered a major blow when a MRI revealed a small fracture in the hard-hitting first baseman's tibia. The injury actually occurred almost a month ago when Teixeira fouled a ball of his shin. Initial X-rays did not reveal a break and the injury was described as a bone bruise. Unfortunately, the terminology here is a bit misleading, as a bone bruise is in a way a partial fracture. A bone bruise, also known as periosteal bruising, occurs when the outer layer of compact bone tissue that surrounds and reinforces various bones of the body is damaged. The body's natural healing response treats a bone bruise just as it would a complete fracture, creating new bony tissue to fill in the cracks and gaps.

Fantasy owners can be understandably frustrated by the fact that multiple X-rays failed to show the extent of the damage. However, it happens on occasion and in some cases a fracture may not be visible until the healing process has begun. Teixeira should be fine with a couple months of inactivity, though his season is over. The Yankees will use rookie Greg Bird at first though his presence won't have the same effect as Tex. Bird could be worth a speculative add in deeper leagues though a more proven option may be the safer way to go.

Check Swings

Shin-Soo Choo
The Rangers outfielder has put together an impressive second half of the season that continued Sunday with a home run and three runs in a win over the A's. However, Choo was removed late in the game with stiffness in his neck. Fortunately, this appears to be a situation in which Texas was simply taking a proactive approach with Choo and ensuring his availability for Monday's game, the first in a four-game series with the rival Astros.

Edwin Encarnacion
A nagging injury to his left middle finger forced Encarnacion to miss Sunday's series finale against the Yankee. The injury has been a problem for a while now though you would be unable to tell based on his productivity. The finger will likely be an issue for the remainder of the season and routine rest will be provided. However, Encarnacion has been far too good to consider benching, even if he misses the occasional outing.

Cameron Maybin
After missing time with a corneal abrasion on his left eye, the Braves expect Maybin back on Tuesday. Exhibit a bit of restraint here and consider giving Maybin a few games to prove his vision and timing will not be negatively affected by the residual effects of the injury and time off.

Glen Perkins
The 32-year-old reliever continues to work his way back from recurring back spasms stemming from a bulging disc in his neck. While the team opted for cortisone injections to reduce the inflammation, he's still experiencing some of the subsequent symptoms. Manager Paul Molitor said Perkins is improving, though a return will not mean a return to his closing duties. The Twins want to bring him back slowly, and the impressive play of Kevin Jepsen will allow them to exhibit patience.

Drew Storen
The Washington reliever becomes the latest player to suffer a significant injury during a post-game tirade. Frustrated after surrendering a home run to Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, Storen slammed his locker shut and broke his thumb in the process. The injury is season-ending though surgery is not being discussed. His absence simply solidifies Jonathan Papelbon as the Nationals' closer and the team will use a committee of relievers to fill the eighth-inning role.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Stotts
Jeff Stotts works as a Certified Athletic Trainer (MAT, ATC, PES, CES). He won the 2011 Best Fantasy Football Article in Print from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.
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