Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Thumbs Down in St. Louis

The Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are all thumbs. Veteran Matt Holliday recently became the third prominent member of the Cardinals lineup to suffer a significant thumb injury. It started in spring training when veteran Jhonny Peralta tore a ligament in his left thumb. He missed the first nine weeks of the season after undergoing surgery and has since required a second trip to the disabled list after irritating the area. Peralta's injury allowed for the emergence of All-Star shortstop Aledmys Diaz, but Diaz is currently on the DL with a fractured thumb sustained August 31. The break didn't require surgery, and Diaz is making progress in his recovery. Fortunately, he's expected to return to workouts this week. However when he does return, the lineup will likely be missing Holliday. Holliday has been placed on the DL with a, you guessed it, fractured thumb. He's slated to meet with a specialist on Monday to establish his options. As discussed last week with Tulowitzki, Holliday's absence will be determined by the severity and location of the break. A break to the bone located at the tip of the thumb often heals without surgery, while having the fracture in one of the bones of the more complex joints closer to the hand isn't usually as lucky. Any associated ligament damage may also complicate the issue. Holliday owners should make preparations for a lengthy absence and even consider the fact that this injury has the potential to be a season ender.

Giancarlo Stanton and Adam Conley

For the third straight year Stanton has suffered a season ending injury. The Marlins will be forced to contend for a wild card berth without their hard-hitting outfielder after he was diagnosed with a Grade 3 strain of his groin. An injury of this magnitude is severe and could potentially require surgery. Muscle strains are graded on a scale of severity. A Grade 1 strain is considered mild and involves microtearing of the fibers that comprise the muscle and tendon. Grade 2 strains are viewed as moderate with physical tearing of the muscle or tendon. These types of strains are often referred to as partial tears. Strains receiving a Grade 3 or higher are considered severe with extensive tissue damage and an accompanying loss of function. The Marlins have not revealed which specific muscle of the groin Stanton tore when he headed for second base, but the associated timeline remains largely the same. Look for Stanton to seek outside advice from a specialist, most likely Dr. Williams Meyers, in order to determine his next step in treatment.

In the meantime, the Marlins will turn to veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki in right field. The team is also reportedly considering a run at the recently released Alex Rodriguez but his interest remains unknown.

Miami also sent starting pitcher Adam Conley to the disabled list with tendinitis in his left middle finger. He reportedly suffered the injury in early August and it could easily be the culprit behind his recent struggles. The middle finger is utilized in virtually every pitching grip, and any pain or limitation would alter his delivery. The Marlins are optimistic he will be back when first eligible.

Check Swings

Yoenis Cespedes: The Mets outfielder is expected back this week after missing time to treat his lingering quadriceps injury. The current plan is for Cespedes to begin a rehab assignment Monday then rejoin the team in San Francisco for their weekend series with the Giants. Hopefully the forced time off has allowed the quadriceps to adequately heal, though the risk of re-injury will likely linger for the remainder of the season.

Prince Fielder: It's never easy to put the game behind you, but it just seems particularly unfair when injury takes the game away from you. After appearing in 1,322 straight games to start his career, neck injuries have limited Fielder over the past three seasons. He recently underwent his second spinal fusion surgery on the cervical region of his spine and was advised by his doctors to no longer play baseball. It's a sad end for Fielder and should serve as a humanizing moment for fantasy owners.

Bryce Harper: The 23-year-old outfielder returned to action Sunday after missing nearly a week with neck stiffness. He looked much more comfortable, finishing with a walk, a double and two runs. Harper's struggles in July were well documented but hopefully the extended break will allow him to return to top form to finish out the season. His confidence and productivity could receive a nice boost from a three-game series in Colorado.

John Lackey: The Cubs' veteran pitcher vows he will be fine after exiting Sunday's start with right shoulder stiffness. More information likely will be available in the near future, though all the terminology currently being used to describe the injury hints at a muscular issue. Given Chicago's commanding lead in the standings, don't be surprised if the team takes a conservative approach regarding Lackey's health.

Tyson Ross: After weeks of nothing, news on Ross has finally begun to trickle in. Out since Opening Day with a shoulder strain, the right hander is expected to throw live batting practice Tuesday. However, time remains Ross' biggest obstacle as he may not be able to get back up to the appropriate level of readiness in time to pitch again this season. Even then he could easily be handcuffed by a pitch count or innings limit.

Steven Wright: The Red Sox knuckleballer hit the DL with an injury sustained while serving as a pinch runner. Wright injured his shoulder while diving back to second base after stepping in for David Ortiz. The impact resulted in inflammation, specifically in one of the bursa sacs of the shoulder joint. These fluid-filled sacs act as ball bearings within joints, reducing the amount of friction. If irritated, they become inflamed in a condition known as bursitis. The swelling has reduced the available space in Wright's shoulder, resulting in a pinching sensation. Boston is hoping for a quick return, though I'm betting it takes a bit longer than 15 days to resolve.