This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The Cardinals reliever has been a valuable fantasy option, using his overpowering fastball and devastating slider to collect 14 saves with a 0.94 WHIP and 9.73 K/9. Unfortunately, he may need some time off after making an early exit over the weekend. The team later revealed Hicks is dealing with triceps tendinitis in his throwing arm and will undergo additional testing.
The triceps isn't as commonly discussed as the other muscles of the arm but is an integral muscle in the kinetic chain. The triceps originates at three different points, one on the shoulder blade and two on the distal end of the upper arm bone, the humerus. The muscle extends down the arm and anchors on the ulna just past the elbow. This unique positioning makes it a "two-joint" muscle, meaning it plays a role in motion at both the shoulder and the elbow. These dual responsibilities make it a vital part of pitching mechanics. Any limitation in the triceps could negatively impact both areas, a particularly problematic concern for a player who has history of shoulder inflammation.
While the team is currently listing him as day-to-day, fantasy owners should prepare for a potential stint on the injured list. A conservative approach to care, especially when Hicks' throwing style and pitching arsenal are considered, would go a long way to ensuring his long-term health. John Gant is in line to take over the closer role for the Red Birds.
Garver and his 11 homeruns and
The Cardinals reliever has been a valuable fantasy option, using his overpowering fastball and devastating slider to collect 14 saves with a 0.94 WHIP and 9.73 K/9. Unfortunately, he may need some time off after making an early exit over the weekend. The team later revealed Hicks is dealing with triceps tendinitis in his throwing arm and will undergo additional testing.
The triceps isn't as commonly discussed as the other muscles of the arm but is an integral muscle in the kinetic chain. The triceps originates at three different points, one on the shoulder blade and two on the distal end of the upper arm bone, the humerus. The muscle extends down the arm and anchors on the ulna just past the elbow. This unique positioning makes it a "two-joint" muscle, meaning it plays a role in motion at both the shoulder and the elbow. These dual responsibilities make it a vital part of pitching mechanics. Any limitation in the triceps could negatively impact both areas, a particularly problematic concern for a player who has history of shoulder inflammation.
While the team is currently listing him as day-to-day, fantasy owners should prepare for a potential stint on the injured list. A conservative approach to care, especially when Hicks' throwing style and pitching arsenal are considered, would go a long way to ensuring his long-term health. John Gant is in line to take over the closer role for the Red Birds.
Garver and his 11 homeruns and .294 average have been a nice surprise from the catcher position. Unfortunately, injury has limited his availability. Garver missed 16 games after suffering a high ankle sprain and is now suffering from left heel soreness. It seems plausible that the two injuries are linked. A high ankle sprain often requires the injured individual to be immobilized for a period of time. As a result, the range of motion in the area could be negatively impacted. This setback can then lead to cascade issues, especially at the foot and heel. Heel soreness can be attributed to a variety of things including plantar fasciitis or a strain of the ankle stabilizers. Hopefully a more specific diagnosis will trickle out over the next few days, but for now keep him on the bench. Jason Castro will continue to start at catcher for as long as Garver remains out.
The veteran starter is slated to miss a prolonged period of time after an MRI revealed a mild flexor strain in his throwing elbow. A flexor strain is often problematic due to the location of the muscle's origin. The flexor bundle of the forearm attaches at the medial epicondyle, the same location as the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The UCL is the ligament that's repaired in Tommy John surgery. Together, the two structures help stabilize the elbow. If one is injured or limited, the other structures assumes the extra stress, leaving it vulnerable to injury as well. As a result, ensuring a complete recovery is critical to the overall integrity of the elbow. Hill has received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection designed to help stimulate the body's nature immune response and create an environment more conducive to healing. The Dodgers have hinted a return in early August is the likely best-case scenario, and fantasy owners should make roster decisions accordingly.
Check Swings
Byron Buxton: The Twins center fielder is making progress in his recovery from a right wrist injury and could be activated when he first becomes eligible on Tuesday. He's been limited since being stuck by a rogue pitch on June 14. Wrist injuries can often have lingering effects, even when a player feels healthy enough to return to play. As a result, fantasy players invested in Buxton should scale back their expectations for the immediate future.
Scooter Gennett: It appears Gennett will finally return to the Cincinnati lineup, three months after suffering a significant groin strain. He has played multiple games for High-A Daytona while on a rehab assignment but is expected to rejoin the Reds for a weekend homestand against the Cubs. Look for the team to provide him ample days off during his first few weeks back. He's worth a flier if he is still available on the waiver wire.
Ketel Marte: The Diamondbacks second baseman has missed back-to-back games after suffering a cramp in his groin muscle. The groin is actually a group of muscles known as the adductors, meaning Marte is dealing with a cramp in one or several muscles. While a cramp seems like a minor inconvenience, it can actually be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue. Sometimes the injury is actually a strain caused by overstretching or in some cases the cramping itself. Still, the team feels as though Marte's injury isn't overly concerning and expect him back in the lineup Monday against the Dodgers.
Max Scherzer: The three-time Cy Young Winner avoided serious injury after an accident in the batting cage. Scherzer was struck by a foul bunt during pregame batting practice but escaped the injury with a black eye and a nasal fracture. The team was thorough in their examination, sending Scherzer for a CAT scan. The results were negative, and he was able to make his start on Wednesday. As a result, Scherzer is now set up for a two-start week with games against the Marlins and Tigers on tap.
Mike Soroka: The Braves right-hander lasted just two innings Sunday after being struck on the right arm while batting. The team described the move as precautionary, and X-rays after the game were negative. Sorkoa's availability for his next start will depend on how the arm responds over the next few days, but it sounds like he avoided a serious injury.
Noah Syndergaard: The Mets right-hander completed a bullpen session over the weekend and reported no setbacks in his injured hamstring. He remains on track to miss just one start since suffering a low-grade hamstring strain on his right leg. Barring a setback, look for Syndergaard to start Wednesday against the Phillies.
