These are injuries that have been sustained within the last month. (Courtesy of MLB.com)
With only under two weeks left in the regular season there are many key injuries to contending teams. Today we will look at the NL contenders.
NL East
With both teams having playoff spots locked up we will see how they play the last 13 games of the season. Will they rest their guys to avoid injury, or will they continue to play regularly to remain crisp?
Was – Stephen Strasburg – Done for season. (Innings) This may hurt the Nats come playoff time. Strasburg would have been the Game 1 starter in the NLDS. (15-6, 3.16 ERA, 1.15 WHIP – 28 G)
– Roger Bernadina -Stiff neck after running into outfield wall on Sept. 14. Pinch-hit last night and could be in the lineup tonight. (.296 AVG, 4 HR, 23 RBI – 118 G)
Atl – No real injuries to discuss. They do have both backup SS banged up with hurt left shoulders so keep an eye on them if Tyler Pastornicky goes down.
NL Central
The Reds should clinch the division either tonight (Sept. 21) or tomorrow (Sept. 22) even with some key injuries. The Cardinals, on the other hand, still have work to do to seal up the #2 Wild Card. Could Chris Carpenter help that cause? As for the Pirates, They seem to need a healthy Neil Walker and Travis Snider in order to save their season.
Cin – Aroldis Chapman – Shoulder Fatigue. His velocity has gone down since the start of the season leaving concern for the Reds’ coaches. He hasn’t made an appearance in 11 days but did throw a bullpen session on the 19th. (35/40 Saves, 1.60 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 119 K’s – 64 Games)
– Zachary Cozart – Left oblique strain. Took batting practice as of late but hasn’t seen the field since Sept. 3. (.243 AVG, 15 HR, 32 RBI – 127 Games)
– Ryan Ludwick – Left groin tightness. He last played on Sept. 19 where he exited the game early. (.276 AVG, 26 HR, 80 RBI – 120 Games)
StL – Chris Carpenter – After starting the season on the DL recovering from surgery, Carpenter will make his 2012 debut as I’m typing this update. Will he be the Carpenter that is dominant? Or will there be some rust to shake off before he gets back to his prime?
– Jake Westbrook – Strained right oblique. Should be back by next week if his bullpen sessions go as planned. He will throw one today after throwing a successful one on the 19th. (13-11, 3.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP – 28 Games)
– Lance Berkman – Knee surgery. His return is unknown, although some see him coming back at the end of this month in time for the postseason. (.263 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI – 31 Games)
– Rafael Furcal – Grade 2 UCL strain in right elbow. He will not return for the end of the season/playoffs. He hasn’t been cleared to throw yet as of Sept. 20. (.264 AVG, 5 HR, 49 RBI – 121 Games)
Pit – Neil Walker – Back. He hasn’t seen steady playing time since aggravating his back at the start of the month. (.277 AVG, 14 HR, 69 RBI – 127 Games)
– Travis Snider – Right Hamstring. Travis has missed playing time with the Pirates after aggravating his right hamstring at the start of the month. (.262 AVG, 4 HR, 17 RBI – 52 Games)
NL West
Can the Dodgers avoid missing out on the playoffs after losing their top 2 starters?
SF – No serious injuries as of right now.
LA – Chad Billingsley – Out for season with right elbow pain. He won’t be back in time for the playoff push and expects to start a throwing program today (Sept.21) (10-9, 3.55 ERA, 1.29 WHIP – 25 Games)
– Clayton Kershaw – Impingement of right hip. Could possibly be back by the end of the month. (12-9, 2.70 ERA, 1.02 WHIP – 30 Games)
– Adam Kennedy – Right groin strain. Placed on 60-day DL and will be out for the remainder of the season. (.262 AVG, 2 HR, 16 RBI – 86 Games)
Photo Courtesy of Stlredbirds.com
