Brett Myers is more than likely out for the remainder of the season, as he will miss at least the next three months following a soon-to-be-scheduled right hip surgery. He is dealing with a torn labrum and bone spur formation in the hip, and will require trimming of the bone in addition to the actual repair of the labral cartilage. The pain in his hip was causing him to overstress his pitching shoulder, so this is a situation where he’s getting the surgery done now to avoid even more troubles in another joint. He probably could have had a Cortisone injection and continued to pitch, but the Phillies are doing the right thing by shutting him down. There are many internal options to replace Myers, the most likely being either Kyle Kendrick or Carlos Carrasco. They may also decide to swing a deal for a pitcher.
Edinson Volquez will return to the mound on Monday, after spending time on the DL with a lower back strain. He partially credits his speedy recovery to intense pool workouts. Hopefully, the time off and a pain-free lower back will elevate his game so that he can become the pitcher that we all came to know and love in 2008.
Melky Cabrera ’s right shoulder pain turned out to be nothing more than a mild subluxation and contusion (bruise), and he will back in the lineup as soon as he is comfortable enough. We could see him this weekend as a pinch runner or pinch hitter, but I wouldn’t expect him to start until early next week.
Xavier Nady is set to begin a short-distance throwing program early next week - an indication that he may try to return to the outfield after all. Tentatively speaking, he is going to be a DH early on upon returning. Remember, this is a guy who has to make very long, hard throws from right field, and that was the exact mechanism of his re-injury. Also remember that after the injury, it was felt that he may need surgery to fix the tear. I am not sold that he will be healthy enough to play right field regularly.
The good news for Ryan Church is that he isn’t on the DL for any sort of concussion-like symptoms. A hamstring strain has him sidelined currently, but he should be back at the minimum.
Carlos Delgado is feeling pretty good thus far, after undergoing right hip surgery on May 19. While it has been reported that he could be back in 8-10 weeks, you really have to take into account the fact that he is an aging first baseman, and his recent comments were guarded. When asked if he would be able to return this year, he said, "I think that’s going to happen sometime this year, but I can’t guarantee nothing." As it stands now, his rehab seems more conservative than that of Alex Rodriguez, so you can probably take A-Rod’s return time and add a month-plus to it.
Kenji Johjima is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks with a significantly broken left great toe. He was spiked by Adam Kennedy during a play at home plate. The fracture was pretty bad, too, as it was broken in three separate places. For a catcher, being able to crouch is an obvious need, and the great toe bears a large brunt of this force. I haven’t heard whether or not he will need surgery to fixate the fractures, but given the time frame, I would guess that some pins or wires might be needed.
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