MLB Power Rankings: The Biggest Injury Concern for All 30 MLB Teams
Injuries are a part of any game, and we know that some injuries mean more to a team than others.ย A star first baseman means a lot more to a team than a bench player who might get 20 at bats as a pinch hitter per year if heโs lucky.
An injury means more to a team if a player is a big part of their pitching or hitting games too.ย If a team is like the 2010 San Diego Padres and does not have a very good offense, they would be more at risk if their start hitter, Adrian Gonzalez (now with the Boston Red Sox) was injured.
Every team has a player who is down.ย Every team has a player who could be at risk of an injury.
While some teams have more injuries than others, every team has one guy on their radar that they need to keep an eye on.
These are the single biggest concerns for all 30 teams in the MLB.
Arizona Diamondbacks, SS Stephen Drew
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The Arizona Diamondbacks currently have four players on their injury report, and Stephen Drew is the biggest.ย While Drew might not be the biggest loss in the world for other teams, he is for Arizona.
The Diamondbacks are a consensus fifth place in the NL West in 2011, and they are one of the worst teams in the game.
Drew is listed with a strained abdominal, which he injured in Spring Training, and was out of the lineup for a fourth straight game to begin the season Tuesday at the Cubs.
The Diamondbacks have Drew listed as day-to-day and currently doubtful for games, so luckily for them he is not too seriously injured.ย Since the Diamondbacks donโt have a lot of talent to be injured, Drew is easily their biggest loss at the moment, with his .278 batting average and 15 home runs in 2010.
Atlanta Braves, SP Jair Jurrjens
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The Atlanta Braves only have two guys listed on the injury report, and they are both pitchers.ย Jair Jurrjens is their biggest injury, and he is listed on the DL until mid-April.
Jair Jurrjens was a good pitcher once upon a time, but two injuries in about six months have set him back a bit.
Jurrjens finished 2010 poorly, with a 7-6 record and an ERA of 4.64.ย Jurrjens struggled a bit, and his season ended in September with knee surgery.
Back in 2009, Jurrjens went 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA.ย Jurrjens used to be a big contributor to the Braves, and he still has the potential to get back to that form if this injury does not lead to a habit of being on the DL.
Baltimore Orioles, SP Jeremy Guthrie
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The Baltimore Orioles currently have five players listed on their injury report, three of whom could deserve this spot.
Left Fielder Luke Scott could argue for this spot, but the Oriolesโ offense is much improved this season with additions galore including Derek Lee, Mark Reynolds, J.J. Hardy, etc.ย Scott will not be missed much in the lineup, and he is not going to miss a long period of time, so he is out.
Starting Pitcher Justinย Duchscherer has a legitimate argument to be made for this spot.ย Duchscherer has been great at times as a starter, posting an ERA of 2.54, and a 10-8 record in 22 starts with the Oakland Athletics.
Duchscherer has the potential to be great, but after being injured most of 2010 (making only five starts), missing all of 2009, and part of 2007, he has become a big question mark.ย The Orioles took a big risk in acquiring Duchscherer, and it has been a bust.
The player that barely beat out Duchscherer is Jeremy Guthrie, who was hospitalized with an illness during Opening Week.ย Guthrie may not have had the numbers Duchscherer has had, but he has made an impact in 2011.
In his only start this year, Guthrie pitch eight innings of shutout baseball, scattering three hits, and striking out six while only walking one batter.ย Guthrie propelled the Orioles to a win on their way to their first 4-0 start since 1997.
Guthrie has been scratched from his April 6 start against Detroit, and is listed as questionable for April 10 against the Rangers.
If Guthrie cannot find his way back from this injury into his original 2011 form, the Oriolesโ offense might not be enough for them to be the team they want to be.
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Boston Red Sox, RP Junichi Tazawa
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The Boston Red Sox have been very fortunate in the early goings of the season, with only two players listed on their injury report, neither of whom is considered a big part of their game plan.
Junichi Tazawa is a reliever for the BoSox, and he is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Tazawa is a 24-year-old from Japan, who is highly regarded, but has only pitched in three MLB games.
Tazawa is out until at least mid-June, and is currently on the 60-day DL.ย Tazawa could play a minor role in the talented Boston bullpen, consisting of Johnathan Papelbon, Dan Wheeler, Bobby Jenks, and more.
As I said, the Red Sox have been very fortunate so far, and if Tazawa is their biggest injury concern during the 2011 campaign, they will be unbelievable.
Chicago Cubs, 1B Carlos Pena
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Carlos Pena was the Cubsโ big acquisition this offseason, and he has already missed a few games with a sprained thumb.
The Cubs have not had many injuries this year, with the only other one to a good player being to Carlos Zambrano, who is fine now.
Pena has the potential to go yard during any at-bat, and he has 40 home run potential for sure.ย Pena recorded 46 home runs in 2007, and he has hit as high as .282 in 2007 as well.
Pena is supposed to be the answer to the Cubsโ offensive woes, but he canโt do that if heโs on the shelf.
Chicago White Sox, SP Jake Peavy
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The former NL Cy Young winner has injured himself again.ย What else is new?
Peavy has been on the DL almost as much as he has been off of it.ย Since he won the Cy Young in 2007, he had a good year in 2008, but when he changed venues to Chicago in 2009 he dropped off a cliff.
In his only full season in Chicago (2010), Peavy somehow posted a winning record at 7-6, despite his 4.63 ERA.ย Peavy only pitched 107 innings in 2010, and the previous strikeout winner drooped to only 93 after recording 240 in 2007.
Peavy (who hurt his shoulder this time) is expected to make a rehab start for Double-A Birmingham on Friday. He is scheduled to work five innings and throw 75 pitches.
The White Sox did not take a risk on Peavy; he became a risk after the fact.ย Peavy needs to reward the White Sox for paying his contract, and he wonโt be able to do that until he gets off the DL sometime in April.
Cincinnati Reds, SP Johnny Cueto
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Johnny Cueto is one of the Redsโ best starting pitchers.ย In 2010, during Cincinnatiโs magical run to the playoffs, Cueto went 12-7.
Cueto is on the DL, retroactive to March 20.ย Cueto is eligible to come off soon, but he is likely going to stay out for a while longer.
Cueto is one of the Redsโ starting pitchers, and while they have an excellent offense, they need all of their pitchers if they want to keep winning.
Cleveland Indians, CF Grady Sizemore
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Letโs be honest, the Indians are not what they were back when they went to the playoffs in 2007.ย The Indians have lost a lot of talent, including C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee.
Their best power hitter, Travis Hafner, is no longer blasting long bombs, and the Indians are looking abysmal.
Grady Sizemore is arguably their best player on the roster, and he is currently on the 15-day DL.ย Sizemore has been on the decline since 2007 as well, and this knee injury wonโt help him.
Sizemore only played in 33 games in 2010, and he hit a mere .211 without a home run in 128 at-bats.
The Indians needed Sizemore to come back to form if they want to be taken seriously, but if he is injured for extended periods, it will be a bad year in Cleveland.
Colorado Rockies, SP Ubaldo Jimenez
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Ubaldo Jimenez is one of the best pitchers in baseball, hands down.
Jimenez finished 2010 with a record of 19-8, with a 2.88 ERA.ย He racked up 214 strikeouts in 221.2 innings pitched, and he pitched four complete games, two of which were shutouts.
Ubaldo is currently listed as questionable for his April 8 start at Pittsburgh, but his status is up in the air.ย Jimenez injured his finger in his lone start this season against Arizona, and he allowed five earned runs in six innings, while only striking out one batter.
Jimenezโs injury could be nothing, but it could also be devastating if he misses extended time, or if he pitches as poorly as he did against Arizona for the remainder of the year when he comes back.ย With his status so unpredictable, he is a major concern for the Rockies.
Detroit Tigers, SS Carlos Guillen
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This one was a tough choice.ย The Tigers only have four players on their injury report, but three of them are superstars.
Pitcher Justin Verlander is listed as probable for his April 6 start, and because he is probable, he is not too much of a concern, despite being the Tigersโ ace.
Miguel Cabrera is listed as questionable for April 6, but even if he does not play today, he is still going to be playing in the near future, so heโs out.
Carlos Guillen is the Tigersโ biggest concern because he is one of their best hitters, and he is on the 15-day DL.
Guillen is out until at least mid-April with a knee injury, and he is becoming injury-prone, which is bad news for Detroit.
Guillen has not played an inning in 2011 and he has played less and less over the past four seasons.
Guillen went from batting .320 with 19 homers in 153 games in 2006, to 113 games in 2008, to 81 games in 2009, to only 63 games in 2010.
Guillen used to be one of their best hitters, and their playoff chances hinder on his health and playing ability.ย If Guillen cannot get off of the DL, the Tigers will be watching the playoffs with the rest of us.
Florida Marlins, C John Baker
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John Baker had Tommy John surgery, and is currently listed on the 60-day DL.
Baker is a catcher, so Tommy John is rare, but not unheard of since they throw back to the pitcher almost as much as the pitcher throws to them.
Baker hit .299 in 2008, and has shown potential to hit 20 home runs and bat near .300 if given the role as an everyday player.
Baker wonโt be back until mid-May at the earliest, and he is expected to miss more time than that.
The Marlins are not going to be fighting for the playoffs this season, but they would still like to have Baker back.
Houston Astros, 2B Jeff Keppinger
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The Astros have five players who are injured, four of whom are on the DL.ย Keppinger is the biggest loss for the Astros.
Keppinger is listed on the 15-day DL due to surgery to remove a bone in his left foot.ย Keppinger will be back in mid-April at the earliest, but is expected to miss more time than that.
Keppinger is a .290 hitter, and he reached .332 in 2007.ย He also has enough power to secure a spot near the top of the Astrosโ order if given the chance to prove himself.
By missing all of Spring Training, and the start of the regular season, Keppinger has not had a lot of time to get ready for the season.
Even when Keppinger does return, he wonโt have his regular game with him, and we can expect this injury to be devastating for him.
Kansas City Royals, C Jason Kendall
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Jason Kendall has injured his shoulder, and is currently on the 15-day DL.
Kendall is no the great hitter he once was, but he is still solid with a .250+ average.
The Royals only have two players on the injury report, neither of whom is spectacular.
The reason Kendall is in this spot is because this injury could lead to him retiring at the end of this season.ย This injury could be a wake-up call for the catcher, and this could be his very last season in the MLB.
Los Angeles Angels, RP Scott Downs
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The Angels have a plethora of players on their extensive injury report, with seven players currently injured.
Scott Downs is one of LAโs best relievers, and he backs up a good starting rotation.
The Angels are not a very good offensive team anymore, and they rely heavily on their pitching.ย Their starting five are solid, but they need their bullpen to keep them elite.
Downs is listed with a broken toe, and is going to be out until at least mid-April.
Downs posted a 1.78 ERA in 2008, and has had an ERA under 3.10 in four straight seasons.
Scott Downs was supposed to lead the Halosโ bullpen, and help them back to the playoffs, but he canโt do that when heโs on the DL.
Los Angeles Dodgers, SP Jon Garland
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Jon Garland is one of five Dodgers currently on the injury report, all of whom are on the 15-day DL.
Garland posted a career best 3.47 ERA in 2010, and he finished at 14-12.ย The Dodgers are known as a pitching team, and they need Garland in their rotation.
The dodgers have a good enough offense to score runs, and to help their pitching staff, but Garland is a key piece for their staff.
If Garland misses extended time with his oblique injury, or if he reinjures himself, the dodgers are in trouble.
Milwaukee Brewers, SP Zack Greinke
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Zack Greinke is the star acquisition of the new-look Brewers who are seeking a playoff berth.
Greinke is currently on the DL with a rib cage injury, and he is out until at least late April.
The former AL Cy Young winner is making progress, but it is still doubted that he will return before May.ย Greinke posted a 2.18 ERA and a 16-8 record two years ago, but he has not thrown a single pitch in an MLB game this season.
Greinke has had to deal with a pitiful Kansas City offense for years, but now that he will actually get some run support, he could become a Cy young pitcher again if he stays healthy.
Minnesota Twins, 1B Justin Morneau
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The Minnesota Twins are so lucky that they should try to win the lottery because they donโt have a single player listed on their injury report.
The only player I can actually talk about is Justin Morneau.ย Morneau suffered a concussion last season, and he did not play in any games after June.
Concussions are very tricky, and side-effects can be felt for months to years after.ย After suffering a concussion you can feel great one day, and then have a splitting headache the next.ย You might feel fine, but not remember what you are doing.
With so much room for error, it can be hard to know when a player is fully recovered, and Morneau might have to deal with this.
Morneau used to be a top-notch hitter, but if he continues to deal with concussion side-effects, he could struggle.
New York Mets, SP Johan Santana
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The Metsโ ace, John Santana is down until at least late June, after being put on the 60-day DL from surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.
Santana is easily the Metsโ best pitcher, and without him, their staff does not have an ace.ย Sure, Mike Pelfrey and R.A. Dickey are pretty good, but they are no match for a healthy Santana.
Santana will miss at least a dozen starts during his time on the DL, and the Mets will most likely fall out of realistic playoff contention early on.
New York Yankees, RP Damaso Marte
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The New York Yankees are a very fortunate team to have Damaso Marte as their biggest injury concern.
The reliever is on the 60-day DL after undergoing surgery on his pitching shoulder that is expected to sideline him through much of this season.
Marte is out until at least late July.ย The silver-lining in this injury for the Yankees is the fact that the Yankees still have one of the best bullpens in the MLB.
The Yankees have closer Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, Joba Chamberlain and more in their โpen.
The Yankees are still a great team without Marte, and they are very fortunate indeed.
Oakland Athletics, RP Andrew Bailey
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The Aโs closer Andrew Bailey has strained his forearm, and is on the 15-day DL.
Bailey has a career 1.70 ERA and has gone 51 for 58 in save chances in his first two seasons in the league, and he is vital to Oaklandโs success.
Bailey has been effective since coming into the league in 2009, and the Aโs probably wonโt rush him back because he has such potential.
Without Bailey, however, the Oakland bullpen is not nearly as good, and the Aโs could get off to a slow start and ruin their playoff chances early.ย If Bailey canโt recover quickly or effectively, the Aโs could be in serious trouble.
Philadelphia Phillies, 2B Chase Utley
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The Phillies have suffered an unheard of amount of injuries to their players over the past 12 months.ย Chase Utley is on his second stint on the DL, as is Brad Lidge.
While some would argue for Brad Lidge in this spot instead of Utley, the Philliesโ bullpen has some other good pitchers, like Ryan Madson, Danys Baez, and Jose Contreras.
Chase Utley is the Philliesโ best hitter, even over Ryan Howard.ย Utley has both contact and power, and he always seems to make his outs count.
Utley has .300 30 home run potential, and he is extremely dangerous when he is healthy.ย Unfortunately, Utley has been injured on and off for about four years now.
The Philliesโ offense needs Utley, and without him, they might not win the division as easily as people expect.
Pittsburgh Pirates, SP Kevin Hart
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The Pirates have placed Hart on the 60-day DL because of Hartโs right shoulder surgery last May.
Hart missed all of 2010, and he is going to miss the majority of 2011, being out until at least late July.
The Pirates do not have a lot of talented players, and they donโt have any who are injured. Hart belongs on this spot because of the length of his injury, and because shoulder surgeries can easily derail a pitcherโs career.
The Pirates had high hopes for Hart, none of which came to fruition.
San Diego Padres, SP Mat Latos
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The Padres place starter Mat Latos on the 15-day DL, but he could return for his April 11 start.
Latos started the year on the DL due to a sore right shoulder.
Latos finished 2010 with a 2.88 ERA, and a 14-10 record.ย Latos is one of San Diegoโs best starters, and he helped them come within one game of the playoffs.
If the Padres want to come that close again they are going to need Latos to come back in a big way.
San Francisco Giants, CF Cody Ross
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Cody Ross played a huge part in the Giantsโ world Series Championship, and he absolutely punished the Phillies in the NLCS.
Ross has started the year on the 15-day DL due to a calf injury, and his replacement, Aubrey Huff, has not produced what the Giants have wanted.
Huff has been very poor defensively, and the Giants canโt wait to get Ross back defensively.
Ross also plays a big role in helping Buster Posey and the San Francisco offense as well.ย Ross has some power that can really help the Giants, especially if he gets his fastball on the inside of the plate.
The Giants need Ross back, and he is a huge loss because his replacement is so shaky.
Seattle Mariners, CF Franklin Gutierrez
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The Mariners were one of the worst teams in the league last season, and they need all the help they can get.
Unfortunately, they have lost center fielder Franklin Gutierrez for the start of the season.ย Gutierrez is on the 15-day DL with stomach problems.ย Gutierrez is eligible to return soon, but it is unknown whether or not he will be able to.
Gutierrez brings a solid bat to the lineup, hitting about, 250 and the capability for 15-20 dingers per year.ย He is also solid defensively, and is the Marinersโ starting center fielder.
Seattle will miss Gutierrez while he is gone, and hopefully for their sake he comes back soon and swinging well.
St. Louis Cardinals, SP Adam Wainwright
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We have all heard about the NL Cy Young candidate having Tommy John surgery and being out for the season.
Wainwright was the Cardinalsโ ace, and they will surely miss him.ย Wainwrightโs line in 2010 looked like this: 20-11, 2.42 ERA, 230.1 IP, 214 Ks, 1.050 WHIP.
As I said, Wainwright competed for the NL Cy Young last year, but fell short to Roy Halladay.ย He also competed in 2009 with similar numbers, but fell short again.
Wainwright had the opportunity to go for the C Young again this year, but he wonโt see any playing time at all.
Tampa Bay Rays, 3B Evan Longoria
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Evan Longoria was put on the shelf due to a strained left oblique.ย The former All-Star, Longoria has only been in the league for three seasons, but he has already made a big mark.
Longoria has a .282 career batting average, and hit .292 in 2010.ย He also averages over 27 home runs per season, despite hitting only 22 in 2010.
Longoria has the capability to hit .300 and blast 30 homers per year, but this injury will set the young star back a ways.
Hopefully Longoria can bounce back both for the Raysโ sake, and his own.ย Longoria could become the best player in the league, but not if he makes a habit of being injured.
Texas Rangers, SP Brandon Webb
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The Texas Rangers took a chance on Brandon Webb, who did not play at all in 2010, and it has not paid off.ย Webb injured his shoulder and was placed on the 15-day DL.
Webbโs rehab has been going well, but even though he says he feels good, he has little to no control of his pitches now.ย During a batting practice session, Webb hit a right-handed batter twice, and was all over the place.
Webb used to be a great pitcher, recording an ERA under 3.60 in his first six seasons, but then getting hurt and having one miserable start in 2009.
Webb has not pitched a good game since 2008, and he does not look like he is on track to do it again anytime soon.
The Rangers have a great offense, and they have the potential to win the AL Pennant again, but that hinders on Webb.ย The Rangers will need to keep an eye on Webb over the next few weeks, and see if he can help them at all.
Toronto Blue Jays, RP Frank Francisco
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Frank Francisco is the Blue Jaysโ new closer, and he is currently on the 15-day DL due to a pectoral injury.
Francisco beat out Octavio Dotel for the role of closer in 2011.ย Francisco has had an ERA under 4.00 for three straight seasons, and he went 25/29 in save opportunities in 2009 with the Rangers.
The Blue Jays seemed to have been passed by the Orioles, and they are trying desperately to avoid last place in the AL East, but they wonโt be able to keep their heads above water without Francisco.
Washington Nationals, SP Stephen Strasburg
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The hard-hurling Strasburg came into the league in 2010, and he posted an ERA of 2.91, a 5-3 record, and having a 92-17 K-BB ratio in 68.0 IP.
The rookie sensation came into the league and impressed with his strikeouts.
Unfortunately for the Nationals, Strasburg is going to be out until at least September, and he most likely will not pitch this season.
Strasburg has already been put on the 60-day DL after he had Tommy John surgery during September of 2010.
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