Though I don’t completely agree with the thought of having Felix Hernandez return to the mound when he is eligible on July 9, it seems that this is a possibility. Said interim Manager Jim Riggleman, "[The progress] makes us feel better about when the time that he is eligible to come off the disabled list," he said. "He would be able to pitch right then, and you know that’s before the All-Star break."
While he is feeling much better and was able to throw this week without the left ankle bothering him, the chance of re-injury is still there. The correct thing to do would be to have him come back after the break - free of pain, and with a comfortable ankle.
Dan Uggla has been hitting and running the bases, and has felt fine during and afterwards. Though the swelling has receded some, it is still present. This is important to note because in the presence of inflammation and/or swelling, the muscles and ligaments become inhibited from doing their normal job of stabilizing the ankle. More than likely, he should return to the starting lineup early next week . Pinch hitting duties will be had until that time. Even when he returns, I would expect him to be playing with a form of ankle support or tape job.
Andruw Jones (right knee meniscus) and Nomar Garciaparra (left calf) are both making expedited returns to the lineup in the wake of the Juan Pierre and Rafael Furcal injuries. Both players are worth owning in NL-only leagues right away, but mixed league owners need to wait and see how/if they produce before adding them. With shortstop being so thin this season, those who need some help at the position could consider adding Nomar now, as he will soon be SS-eligible.
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