Injury News and Analysis: Mar. 15, 2009

I’m heading back from the spring break trip where we won some and lost some but overall it was a good trip. The WBC is still going on, some players returning hurt yet more are simply disappointed.

Looking at the injuries the last several days, there are some that will effect their positions in the draft.

Julio Lugo was sent for an MRI on his right knee Friday and early word is that he has an meniscus tear. If this is true, we can expect him to undergo surgery and miss a minimum of four weeks.

That means Opening Day is out of the question with the possibility of missing much more time if the meniscus tear has to be repaired and not simply removed. Repairing the tear involved a much longer rehabilitation and would mean that Jed Lowrie will be the SS for several months, not weeks.

As of right now, there hasn’t been an official confirmation yet, but we should have word of what type of surgery relatively soon.

Tim Redding’s chances of making the rotation took a hit as he’s been shut down indefinitely due to a lack of shoulder strength. Tim had surgery on his foot in late November which caused him to be unable to take part fully in the offseason throwing program.  

He’ll probably be shut down at least 10 days or so and begin his throwing program again.

Another victim of crappy timing, Brandon Backe will likely not be able to make the Houston rotation as he has been shut down for 10 days. Backe is suffering from an intercostal strain and it’s going to cost him the next couple weeks.

There is a slight chance of recurrance with these since it is muscular but he does have time to not rush back.

Updating my previous post, Brandon Morrow played catch from about 90 feet.  This is one of the first basic steps in recovery from forearm tightness/ discomfort. We are still likely a week or two away and Morrow has said he’d like to get another five appearances in before the start of the season.  

We should know whether or not he can begin the season within the next week or so as we watch his progress.

Joe Mauer issue right now is an inflamed SI joint which is in the low back and extremely painful at times. Luckily, everything is ok with his kidneys and there are no complications with his surgery.

This is not completely over though as Mauer is going for a second opinion. Regardless, I am worried about Mauer’s long term health staying at the catcher position and how many games he’s going to give you this year.

The persistent pain and continued issues in my mind drops him down a couple of rounds at least.

Chase Utley was performing sliding drills the last couple of days, so he should make his spring debut relatively soon. It appears that his promise of making Opening Day is true.

Pedro Feliz also made his spring appearance after returning from back surgery. He should be fine for Opening Day.

Another setback for Justin Duchscherer shuts him down for another three days after receiving a cortisone injection. I think this definitely  means he’ll be out Opening Day and put more of the season in jeopardy. I have less and less faith that this will end up without surgical intervention.