Oliver Perez will have arthroscopic surgery on his right (planting) knee in an attempt to alleviate painful symptoms arising from chronic Patellar tendonitis that is likely a result of bone spur or calcific tendinopathy. This clearly affected the way he threw, and was almost certainly something he had to think about during the course of his outings. Relatively minor, this surgery still takes a good 2 to 3 months to fully heal, followed by a progression back to throwing. He should be all set for Spring Training, and if pain-free, could return to being effectively wild while also compiling gaudy strikeout totals.
Jake Peavy is going to make one more rehab start in the minors before possibly being activated by the White Sox. Everyone was hoping that he would make a start this weekend against the Yankees, but that isn’t going to happen. It isn’t his ankle that’s giving him the trouble, however. He took a batted ball off the right elbow in his last rehab appearance on Monday, and it seems like just a contusion. He should be back next week. For those wondering if his ankle is going to hold up, its anyone’s guess, but the film of his rehab outings looked quite good.
Hiroki Kuroda is probably about a week-plus away from returning to the Dodgers rotation. He should only need one rehab start next week before being activated, as he is physically fine. The psychological effects that remain from his traumatic injury could be what holds him back, if anything. If he is on your waiver wire, he is a nice addition for the home stretch/playoff run in your mixed league.
Tim Hudson is scheduled to start for the Braves on Monday. This will be his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last year. I would not expect much out of Hudson except about 5 innings and a few strikeouts each start. He is a much better bet for success next season. Everything about his return seems rushed, and he did not really show much during his rehab outings.
Nyjer Morgan jammed his left hand while stealing two bases in the first inning of yesterday’s game, and had to exit the game. As it turns out, Morgan broke his hand and is effectively done for the year. No word yet on if this is a surgical case or even to what bone, but it doesn’t really matter for fantasy purposes this year. His owners will have to find another cheap source of stolen bases. Dexter Fowler or Elvis Andrus, anyone?
Justin Upton has returned from the DL after sustaining a left oblique strain. He is going to play every day, and is an obvious must-start in all fantasy leagues, as there should be no repercussions from the previous injury - unless, of course, he re-strains it - which is always a possibility that is unavoidable.
Jeff Francoeur is having surgery to repair a torn left thumb ligament, as was expected. He should be good to go for the 2010 season without any issues.