This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The Mets lefthander was sent to the injured list due to lingering problems with one of the nerves in his forearm. The nerves of our body are like a subway system with multiple lines branching off in multiple directions, each with its own final destination. In the shoulder, a bundle of nerves known as the brachial plexus branches off in five different pathways. Three of these nerves extend past the elbow into the forearm, wrist and hand. The most infamous of these nerves is the ulnar nerve better known as the "funny bone." It travels down the inside of the arm and elbow, eventually ending in the hand and ring and pinkie fingers. On the opposite side of the elbow sits the radial nerve. It runs on the outside of the elbow, through a narrow tunnel formed by the surrounding musculature and nearby bone. It's here that the radial nerve can become impinged or pinched following repetitive use. As a result, the individual often reports sharp pain at the elbow and into the back of the hand, as well as fatigue and weakness in the muscles of the forearm and wrist.
Matz is managing discomfort linked to the radial nerve. He admitted this has been a long-standing problem and is particularly problematic when he throws his curveball. The team attempted to minimize his curveball usage in an attempt to preserve the area, but even that wasn't enough. He recently received a cortisone injection to help alleviate the symptoms of
The Mets lefthander was sent to the injured list due to lingering problems with one of the nerves in his forearm. The nerves of our body are like a subway system with multiple lines branching off in multiple directions, each with its own final destination. In the shoulder, a bundle of nerves known as the brachial plexus branches off in five different pathways. Three of these nerves extend past the elbow into the forearm, wrist and hand. The most infamous of these nerves is the ulnar nerve better known as the "funny bone." It travels down the inside of the arm and elbow, eventually ending in the hand and ring and pinkie fingers. On the opposite side of the elbow sits the radial nerve. It runs on the outside of the elbow, through a narrow tunnel formed by the surrounding musculature and nearby bone. It's here that the radial nerve can become impinged or pinched following repetitive use. As a result, the individual often reports sharp pain at the elbow and into the back of the hand, as well as fatigue and weakness in the muscles of the forearm and wrist.
Matz is managing discomfort linked to the radial nerve. He admitted this has been a long-standing problem and is particularly problematic when he throws his curveball. The team attempted to minimize his curveball usage in an attempt to preserve the area, but even that wasn't enough. He recently received a cortisone injection to help alleviate the symptoms of the problem and is optimistic he will miss minimal time. However, the issue can easily resurface if Matz resumes doing the same activities with the same approach. It doesn't sound like the team has any current plans to alter his throwing mechanics, making Matz an inherently risky player moving forward. He is eligible to come off the IL on May 15 and could return for a weekend start against the Marlins.
The often-injured Yankees slugger was transferred to the 60-day IL after tearing the plantar fascia in his left foot in mid-April. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the base of the toes. It fortifies the arch of the foot, particularly during activities like walking, jumping or running. Chronic overload or isolated trauma can cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed, resulting in plantar fasciitis. A surgical procedure known as fasciotomy may be warranted if a conservative approach fails to improve the problem.
However, a tear of the plantar fascia is managed differently. A small tear can be difficult to manage as the integrity of the plantar fascia is compromised. However, a complete tear of the fascia actually mimics the fasciotomy, releasing any tension in the tissue. As a result, the injured athlete must simply manage any associated symptoms and wait for the body to naturally repair the tissue. Following his current designation, Bird has until mid-June to rest and recuperate. Given his lengthy list of foot and ankle injuries, Bird is a major fantasy liability and should probably be sent to the waiver wire.
Check Swings
Jose Altuve: The 2017 American League MVP has been placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain. The move is just the second time in his major league career that an injury has forced him to the IL. However, it sounds like the team will be cautious with his recovery, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him sit out longer than 10 days. He's eligible to return on May 20 but I'm guessing he misses closer to two or three weeks.
Dee Gordon: The speedster appears to have avoided a serious injury after getting struck on the wrist by a stray pitch last Thursday. Fortunately, none of the medical imaging performed revealed a fracture, and Gordon remains day-to-day. He hasn't played in Seattle's last three games and is expected to miss at least one more outing.
Nelson Cruz: The Minnesota veteran is slated for an MRI Monday to determine the root of his nagging wrist pain. Cruz' left wrist has been an issue for the majority of the season but worsened over the weekend. The results of the tests will hopefully clarify the situation and provide fantasy owners with a definitive timeline on a potential absence.
Eloy Jimenez: Jimenez is making progress in his recovery from a high ankle sprain, successfully running the bases on Friday. The White Sox outfielder has not played since April 26 when he collided with the outfield wall. Hard cuts on a recovering ankle is a good sign the stability of the joint has improved, and he could be set for a rehab assignment in the near future.
Carlos Martinez: The Cardinals are hopeful Martinez will be ready to join their bullpen over the weekend. He will make one more appearance for Double-A Springfield as he works his way back from lingering shoulder problems. The team will shift the one-time start to a relief role. The decision hurts his overall fantasy value but should help reduce his associated level of injury risk.
David Price: The Red Sox starter threw a bullpen session over the weekend as he works his way back from elbow tendinitis. The team doesn't anticipate Price will need a rehab assignment but will see how the area responds over the next few days before making a final decision. If all goes well, Price could be in line to start Wednesday against the Rockies or Friday against the Astros.
Buster Posey: The Giants catcher suffered the second concussion of his career just as he was beginning to heat up at the plate. The team placed him on the seven-day concussion IL and are optimistic he will be ready when first eligible. However, the effects of concussion are cumulative, meaning Posey may need additional time to completely recover. The fact that he plays the position most prone to concussions also complicates things, suggesting a return this week may be wishful thinking.
Fernando Tatis Jr.: The Padres are unlikely to welcome Tatis back this week as he continues to nurse his strained hamstring. He has yet to return to full speed running and will need additional time before he is able to test out the muscle group. Fantasy owners may be growing inpatient, but the approach should allow Tatis to return with a reduced risk of re-injury.
