There are plenty of injuries, new and old, to cover this week in our MLB injury report – including the quick return of Chad Billingsley who is now possibly looking at Tommy John surgery. Luckily, there are more than a few pitchers looking to make their imminent return, let’s take a look at who’s out and who’s in this week.
Adam Eaton (elbow): According to ESPN, Eaton has begun to throw and is about one month away from returning to the Diamondbacks.
Jason Heyward (appendectomy): Heyward is headed to the disabled list after undergoing an appendectomy. No word yet on how long he will be out. Reed Johnson and Jordan Schafer figure to get starting spots but neither is a real fantasy option.
Freddie Freeman (oblique): Freeman is ready to come off the disabled list and will likely play in Tuesday’s game against the Rockies.
Jonathan Broxton (hand): The struggling reliever had to leave Monday’s game after taking a hit ball off his hand. His X-rays came back negative but he may miss some games.
Michael Bourn (finger): Bourn had stitches removed from his finger and is expected to return to the lineup when he is eligible to come off the DL on April 30.
Brett Myers (elbow): Myers was placed on the disabled list with a sprained elbow as well as tendinitis in that same elbow. He’s out for at least two weeks but could miss more time than that. Corey Kluber will take over Myers’ spot but isn’t a fantasy option.
Todd Helton (forearm): Helton hasn’t played since Friday and if his forearm doesn’t improve by Tuesday the team may place him on the DL. While Helton doesn’t have much fantasy value, Jordan Pacheco could take over Helton’s spot while he’s out.
Jhoulys Chacin (back): Chacin was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained lower back but may only end up missing two starts depending on how quickly he recovers. Tyler Chatwood or Drew Pomeranz may start in his place.
Tommy Hanson (bereavement list): Hanson will miss his scheduled start on Wednesday but could essentially go as soon as Thursday. Otherwise, Jerome Williams may make a spot start.
Erick Aybar (heel): It looks like Aybar will be activated off the DL as soon as Thursday or at least by the weekend.
Albert Pujols (foot): Pujols is dealing with a bad case of plantar fasciitis and is limited to designated hitter duties but should continue to play through it.
Jered Weaver (elbow): Weaver has begun to throw and should be back by mid-to-late May.
Alberto Callaspo (calf): Callaspo was placed on the 15-day DL Friday but shouldn’t be out long. Luis Jimenez will continue playing third until he returns.
Chad Billingley (elbow): Billingsley has returned to the 15-day DL with an elbow injury and may require Tommy John surgery. He is scheduled for an exam on Tuesday so we’ll know more after that.
Hanley Ramirez (thumb): According to the LA Times, Hanley hopes to return to the lineup by Monday, which also happens to be Hanley Ramirez bobblehead night.
Ted Lilly (shoulder): Lilly is expected to make his season debut Wednesday against the Mets for the beat up Dodgers who are missing Zack Greinke, Chad Billingsley, and Chris Capuano.
Chris Capuano (calf): Capuano was placed on the DL on Friday and may end up losing his rotation spot to Ted Lilly if he does well in Capuano’s absence.
Kyle Lohse (finger): Lohse dislocated his pinky finger while running the bases on Monday but since the finger is on his non-throwing hand there is a good chance that he still makes his next start.
Shaun Marcum (neck, shoulder): Marcum looked great pitched five scoreless innings in an extended spring training game Monday and is expected to make his Mets debut Saturday against the Phils.
Kevin Youkilis (back): Youk was scratched from Monday’s game with a sore back and may miss a couple more games. This is a bit concerning since he missed time with back injuries in 2011 and 2012.
Yoenis Cespedes (thumb): Cespedes is expected to return from the DL as soon as he’s eligible on Sunday and will likely play against the Orioles.
Brett Anderson (ankle): After lasting just one inning on Friday against the Rays, Anderson is expected to make his scheduled start Wednesday against the Red Sox.
Carlos Ruiz (suspension): Ruiz is expected to return to the Phillies on Sunday when his suspension is over but he is also dealing with a sore wrist so check his status.
Delmon Young (ankle): Young is expected to rejoin the Phillies within the next 10-14 days.
Brandon Inge (shoulder): Hold on to your hats Inge lovers, the Pirates expect to activate the veteran by Wednesday’s game against the Phils.
Francisco Liriano (arm): Liriano is expected to make his season debut on May 5.
Franklin Gutierrez (hamstring): Gutierrez has been banged up since the season began and had to leave Monday’s game with a tight hamstring. There is a chance he hits the DL but we’ll know more when he’s evaluated on Tuesday.
Michael Saunders (shoulder): Saunders appears ready to return from the disabled list as soon as Friday.
Matt Adams (oblique): Adams was scratched from the lineup Monday after his oblique tightened up on him. He is considered day-to-day.
Luke Scott (calf): Scott has begun his rehab assignment and is nearing a return to the Rays’ DH spot.
Ryan Zimmerman (hamstring): Zimmerman has been placed on the DL with a strained hamstring but is not expected to miss more than the 15 day period.
Wilson Ramos (hamstring): Ramos is expected to return to the Nats by Monday when Washington faces the Braves.
