We are just about a week into the season and already have a full slate of injuries around the league – including the return of frequent injury report patrons Brian Roberts, John Lackey, Brett Anderson, and Nolan Reimold. Let’s take a look at who’s out and when they’re returning in this week’s extensive injury report.
Brian Roberts (hamstring): Injury report frequent flyer Brian Roberts is back on the DL after just one series with a hamstring strain and but will not require surgery as originally feared. He is expected to miss about a month but don’t discount the strong possibility of numerous setbacks and additional injuries on his road back.
Cody Ross (calf): Ross is being targeted for a Friday return but has struggled a bit in his rehab and may get pushed back a few days.
Andrelton Simmons (thumb): Simmons missed the Braves’ weekend games against the Cubs with a thumb injury but was back in the lineup Monday and appears good to go.
Freddie Freeman (strained oblique): The Braves put Freeman on the DL as of April 7 with a strained right oblique. Freeman was upset about the move and had hoped to return sooner so an extended DL stint appears unlikely.
Nolan Reimold (hamstring): Reimold sat out Monday’s game against the Red Sox with a strained right hammy but expects to return by Wednesday.
John Lackey (biceps): Lackey avoided a serious injury in his first start back from surgery but will likely miss at least one start with a strained bicep.
David Ortiz (heel): Ortiz is playing in simulated games but has yet to begin his rehab assignment. He could be back as soon as the end of April if things go well.
Stephen Drew (concussion): Drew is expected to join the Red Sox on Wednesday against the Orioles after playing four rehab games in Double-A.
Matt Garza (arm): Garza had a successful first bullpen session and is on track to return by the end of April or early May.
Carlos Santana (thumb): Santana left Monday’s game against the Yankees after being hit on the hand behind the plate by a Chris Perez pitch. His X-ray came back negative so the injury appears to be a bruised thumb that hopefully won’t keep him out of the lineup.
Scott Kazmir (ribs): Kazmir appears to be on track to return to the Indians once he is eligible to come of the DL on April 17.
Michael Cuddyer (wrist): Cuddyer missed Sunday’s game with a sore wrist but returned Monday and appears to be good to go as the injury isn’t too serious.
Victor Martinez (thumb): Martinez cut his thumb on a bat rack and required eight stitches. He is considered day-to-day going forward this week.
Jered Weaver (elbow): Weaver will miss four to six weeks with a broken elbow on his non-pitching arm after landing awkwardly on a comebacker in Sunday’s game against the Rangers.
Ryan Madson (elbow): Madson is still feeling pain in his surgically repaired elbow and an April comeback seems highly unlikely but he could return by early May if he progresses.
Corey Hart (knee): The Brewers transferred Hart to the 60-day DL but he should be ready to return sometime before late May.
Jean Segura (quad): Segura sat out Monday’s game against the Cubs with a sore quad and is listed as day-to-day but the injury isn’t too serious.
Ryan Braun (neck): Braun returned to the lineup Monday after missing three straight games with a sore neck. He’s not at 100% but doesn’t appear to need any more time off for now.
Aramis Ramirez (knee): The Brewers placed Ramirez on the 15-day DL with a sprained knee and hope that he is ready to return to the lineup as soon as he is eligible. Knee sprains can be tricky though.
Shaun Marcum (neck): Marcum has resumed baseball activities as he recovers from nerve inflammation in his neck. He is likely to miss another two weeks before joining the Mets rotation.
Frank Francisco (elbow): The Mets on-again, off-again closer appears on track to start a rehab stint this week and return to the Mets by the end of April or beginning of May.
Derek Jeter (ankle): Jeter is ramping up his activities but has no timetable for playing in a minor league game yet. He is targeting a May 1 return but that seems optimistic.
Josh Reddick (wrist): Reddick is listed day-to-day with a wrist injury and is likely to sit out Tuesday’s game against the Angels. Look for Chris Young or Seth Smith to start in his place.
Brett Anderson (thumb): Anderson managed to avoid yet another serious injury as X-rays on his thumb came back negative and he is expected to make his next start despite suffering from swelling and discomfort.
Wandy Rodriguez (leg): Rodriguez left after just three innings with a left leg injury and will be evaluated on Tuesday. Keep an eye on his status for his next planned start.
Brandon Inge (shoulder): Inge is playing in Triple-A and should be ready to come off the DL sometime after Wednesday when he is eligible to return.
Francisco Liriano (arm): Liriano is pitching simulated games but has yet to start his rehab assignment. The Pirates hope he can return by the end of April or, more likely, early May.
Chase Headley (thumb): Headley is recovering well and appears ready to resume baseball activities. He hopes to return by late April.
David Freese (back): The Cards activated Freese from the DL Monday and he went hitless in his 2013 debut against the Reds.
Jeff Niemann (shoulder): Though he will get a second opinion, it appears that Niemann will have to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.
Matt Harrison (back): Harrison left his Saturday start with a sore back but may pitch Thursday against Seattle. Keep an eye on his status going forward.
Yu Darvish (blister): Darvish is suffering from a lingering blister on his right hand but should make his start Friday against the Mariners.
Jose Bautista (ankle): Bautista has missed three straight with an ankle injury but will DH in Tuesday’s game against the Tigers.
Brett Lawrie (ribs): Lawrie is ramping up baseball activities but it’s unclear when he will be ready to begin his rehab stint.
Adam LaRoche (back): After missing two games with a back injury, LaRoche expects to return to the Nats lineup by Tuesday.
