This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The only thing that appears capable of slowing Acuna's red-hot start to the year is an injury. The Braves outfielder suffered an abdominal injury over the weekend that, after further evaluation, was ultimately diagnosed as a mild strain. The abdominal muscles comprise four groups of muscles, including the obliques, rectus abdominis and transversus abdominis. These groups are layered with the fibers of the varying muscles oriented in a way to maximize function and strength. Injuries to the lower abdominal muscles have gained notoriety as the terms core muscle injury or sports hernia have become more commonplace in the fantasy lexicon. Fortunately, it sounds like Acuna's injury occurred higher up and will not require surgery. The team is currently listing him as day-to-day for their upcoming series with the New York Yankees. Although he could be utilized as a designated hitter while the team plays in Yankee Stadium, a one- to two-game absence should be expected. The Braves will not risk Acuna's long-term health and won't put him on the field if he is at high risk for aggravation or reinjury.
Shoulder injuries are commonplace among MLB pitchers. While the majority of these ailments tend to involve the muscles of the rotator cuff or the labrum of the glenohumeral joint, there are other areas that can be equally vulnerable to injury. Both Lynn and Cueto were sent to the injured list after sustaining injuries to these less known areas.
The White Sox' Lynn is
The only thing that appears capable of slowing Acuna's red-hot start to the year is an injury. The Braves outfielder suffered an abdominal injury over the weekend that, after further evaluation, was ultimately diagnosed as a mild strain. The abdominal muscles comprise four groups of muscles, including the obliques, rectus abdominis and transversus abdominis. These groups are layered with the fibers of the varying muscles oriented in a way to maximize function and strength. Injuries to the lower abdominal muscles have gained notoriety as the terms core muscle injury or sports hernia have become more commonplace in the fantasy lexicon. Fortunately, it sounds like Acuna's injury occurred higher up and will not require surgery. The team is currently listing him as day-to-day for their upcoming series with the New York Yankees. Although he could be utilized as a designated hitter while the team plays in Yankee Stadium, a one- to two-game absence should be expected. The Braves will not risk Acuna's long-term health and won't put him on the field if he is at high risk for aggravation or reinjury.
Shoulder injuries are commonplace among MLB pitchers. While the majority of these ailments tend to involve the muscles of the rotator cuff or the labrum of the glenohumeral joint, there are other areas that can be equally vulnerable to injury. Both Lynn and Cueto were sent to the injured list after sustaining injuries to these less known areas.
The White Sox' Lynn is out after suffering a strained right trapezius muscle. The "traps" are two broad, triangular-shaped muscles that extend down on either side of the neck down the middle of the back and across to the shoulder blade. By anchoring to the shoulder blade, each trap is able to influence multiple motions of the shoulder including rotation, elevation and retraction of the shoulder blade. As a result, the trap plays an integral part in the mechanics of throwing.
In recent seasons, several notable MLB pitchers have sustained injuries to the trapezius including Sonny Gray, Stephen Strasburg and Yu Darvish. Based on these and other previous examples, it seems likely Lynn misses a few weeks, though the White Sox are optimistic he will return when first eligible.
Cueto's injury involves another muscle located on the posterior side of the body, the latissimus dorsi. Like the traps, the lats are located along the spine and insert onto the shoulder. However, the lat inserts into the upper arm bone, the humerus, rather than the shoulder blade. Still, the positioning allows the muscles to play a role in multiple shoulder movements including extension, internal rotation and a motion known as horizontal abduction. Furthermore, the lat influences movement in the back, helping with side-to-side bending and extension of the lower back.
Cueto has been diagnosed with a low-grade strain of the area and is expected to miss at least two starts. However, it would not be surprising to see San Francisco slow play his recovery given his injury history that includes Tommy John surgery in August of 2018.
The Nationals pitcher has once again been placed on the IL, this time with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. The injury is just the latest setback for the ace who has struggled to stay healthy since making his professional debut. In his 12 big league seasons, Strasburg has been placed on the IL 13 different times for an assortment of injuries that includes strains of the oblique, trapezius and latissimus dorsi, Tommy John surgery, and last season's carpal tunnel neuritis. Hopefully the team is able to control this latest bout with inflammation, and it's not the result of an underlying strain. I have previously compared Strasburg's issues to that of a Rube Goldberg machine and how his injuries tend to have a cascading effect on his body. Another strain could mean an extended absence for the right-hander. Keep a close eye on how he progress in the days ahead to get a better idea of what kind of recovery awaits Strasburg. A multiweek absence seems likely.
Check Swings
Byron Buxton: The Twins outfielder suffered a mild hamstring strain late last week but was expected to return to action over the weekend. However, Minnesota's last three games have been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The rescheduling is unfortunate, but it did allow Buxton to get a few more recovery days in before he returns to the field. The team is tentatively scheduled to resume their season Tuesday with a doubleheader against Oakland. Buxton may only play in one of those outing as he works his way back, but it sounds like he avoided a significant injury.
Christian Yelich: The Brewers had hoped Yelich's lower back soreness would resolve quickly and allow their star outfielder to return to action. Sadly, the pain persisted, and he ended up on the IL. The team continues to talk optimistically about the situation and does not foresee him missing an extended period of time. I may be more likely to echo these sentiments if the team would disclose the root of the soreness instead of playing things close to the vest. Remain patient here for now.
Gavin Lux: The same goes for Lux who has been placed on the IL with soreness in his wrist. The injury is limiting his ability to swing a bat, and the Dodgers proactively opted to send him to the IL to open up a roster spot. Until we get a more definitive diagnosis, those invested in Lux will simply have to hope that he progresses quickly and smoothly over the next week.
Cody Bellinger: Bellinger's minor calf contusion proved to be something more significant. Bellinger recently underwent an additional scan of the area that revealed a hairline fracture in his left fibula. The fibula is one of the two lower leg bones and sits on the outside aspect of the leg. It's not uncommon for an initial X-ray to miss a tiny fracture. Occasionally, the fracture is so minute it is only detected after healing is visible on the imaging. The new diagnosis will extend his recovery window, though his long-term outlook should be good. Bone tissue tends to heal nicely if given the appropriate amount of time and displacement has not occurred.
Mookie Betts: Unfortunately, Betts was struck by a pitch late Monday night, further complicating the Dodgers' early season injury woes. The 95 mph fastball struck Betts on the forearm, an area poorly protected by soft tissue structures. The team will continue to evaluate the injury Tuesday with an update likely to come soon. A fractured forearm would be a worst-case scenario, with the eventual treatment option dictating his recovery timeline. Cross your fingers the bone remained intact.
