Dodgers Spring Injuries: Ho-Hum

With Spring Training in full swing, the Dodgers injuries are starting to tally. However, fans shouldn't panic—this sounds like the same record we have listened to for years. For the past decade, the Dodgers have had preseason injuries that make the news, and most often they make the news simply because it's Spring Training, and nothing else is going on.

Russell Martin, Casey Blake, and Cory Wade are already making headlines with reported injuries, but the Dodgers organization and the players don't seem concerned.

Casey Blake took the day off against the Rockies with sore ribs but is confident he will be ready for Opening Day. He is able to swing a bat slowly with limited pain. He mentioned that if this situation occurred in the regular season, he would probably play through it, and if it were playoffs, he wouldn't miss an inning.

Martin suffered a torn groin but mentioned the pain was so mild it seemed as though it was just early-spring soreness. The doctor-recommended recovery time is four to six weeks. Martin received a cortisone shot Tuesday to expedite the healing process, and those familiar with the catcher and his work ethic know he will be doing whatever he can to get back in game shape by the start of the regular season.

Los Angeles does seem to be taking it slow with reliever Cory Wade. His chronically ailing shoulder was examined via MRI, and tests revealed no structural damage. He also received a shot to the shoulder, and manager Joe Torre says Wade will be taking several days off as a precaution and will then be re-evaluated.

It seems every year players return from the break a little stiff in the joints and in need of a little work. As the Spring progresses, don't fret over reports of injuries unless the Dodgers make no light of the situation. Blake and Wade will be ready to follow-up on their productive campaigns from last season, and Martin will be ready to turn things around. Dodgers fans, have no fear.