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MLB Injuries Galore By Alex Young

In the wake of what can best be described as an abundance of recent injuries, many Major League baseball teams have found themselves digging into the depths of their respective AAA affiliates before the end of the first month of the season.

Unfortunately, all these injuries hurting fantasy owners. To make life a tad bit easier for owners, we present a compiled list of all the most significant injuries along with the progress of these player's recoveries. For all injury news be sure to check FIC every hour for player updates...

New York Mets
In the last 24 hours, the Mets have lost a starting pitcher, a starting second baseman, and a starting left fielder. Ironically, all three players are over the age of 35...

Moises Alou: Alou left Monday's game with a sore right shoulder and a cut under his chin. The cut required two stitches and the shoulder, which Alou later revealed has been hurting for over a week, now requires a MRI. We'll find out later today if Alou needs to be DLed though at this point a DL visit seems like a fair assumption. Top prospect Carlos Gomez is a potential callup if Alou does indeed go on the DL.

Orlando Hernandez: Hernandez was placed on the 15-day DL with shoulder tightness. At this point, the Mets are expecting him to miss only one more start, but don't be surprised if he is out for at least a month. After all, he guy could be 50-years-old for all we know. Jorge Sosa will take Hernandez's spot the next time around.

Jose Valentin: Valentin too was placed on the 15-day DL with a partial tear in his ACL. Today, Valentin announced he has opted not to have surgery and will instead rehab the knee. He expects to be out for at least a month. Ruben Gotay was called up from AAA to split time with Damion Easley at second during Valentin's absence.

New York Yankees
Another team with an abundance of injures..

Johnny Damon: Damon has visited various chiropractors over the last few days for his ailing back. Though GM Brian Cashman said he does not expect Damon to go on the DL, the back could be an issue of concern all season. He could miss the next few games to rest up, but you may want to keep a careful eye on him all season. Melky Cabrera has been filling in at center.

Carl Pavano: Pavano is still weeks away from a possible return. Just Sunday, Pavano threw off a flat surface for the first time since going on the DL. If all goes well, he could throw off a mound by the end of the week, but there is no telling how long it will before he returns to Yankees stadium.

Atlanta Braves
A closer put on the shelf....

Bob Wickman: Wickman was placed on the 15-day DL yesterday with a upper back strain. After struggling recently, it appeared that Wickman could no longer stand the pain. Though the Braves expect him back in two weeks, one has to remember that back injuries are very tricky and it could take much longer for him to recover. In the meantime, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez will likely split time as closer.

St. Louis Cardinals
Injuries all around...

Chris Carpenter: Carpenter will throw a simulated bullpen session later today. Carpenter claims his elbow feels great and he should be back in no time - ie. by early next week. Good news all around for both Cardinals fans and fantasy owners.

Juan Encarnacion: Encarnacion is currently rehabbing his sore wrist in AA Springfield. Though the Cardinals believe he is only a week away from returning, Encarnacion is hitting just 0.77 in 26 at bats during his rehab assignment. It may be sometime before he works the rust off.

Milwaukee Brewers
A young gem down, but back...?

Ben Sheets: After undergoing numerous tests to test his groin muscle, Sheets has been given the seal of approval to start his next game. Sheets is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Cardinals. (Isn't that the day Carpenter is supposed to return too? hmm...)

Oakland A's
Another young gem down...

Rich Harden: Though technically Harden is eligible to come off the DL this week that is not happening. Harden's shoulder soreness has prevented him from throwing since mid-April. Harden is expected to undergo more tests this week to see what indeed is wrong. I think most are expecting the worst - quite unfortunate for a kid with so much potential.

Bobby Kielty: Kielty was replaced on the 15-day DL with a sore calf. Not too serious of an injury, but Adam Melhuse was promoted from AAA to fill in during his absence. Thankfully for the A's, Nick Swisher is expected to return possibly as soon as today.

Seattle Mariners

Felix Hernandez: Felix Hernandez has been deemed 100% healthy and is expected to return Friday against the Yankees. Regardless, the Mariners will likely keep Hernandez on a very short leash. They don't want Hernandez to end up with a Mark Prior type career.

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