7/28 Notes from the Training Room

Written by Chris Kuhlmann

Monday, 28 July 2008

Up Ticks:

Susan Kuhlmann, MOM

Happy Birthday! I love you.

Roy Oswalt, SP HOU

He is scheduled to come off the DL from a strained left hip abductor and a herniated disk in his back; he is scheduled to be a 2 start pitcher in fantasy week 18.

Fantasy Impact: You have to start your studs when they are healthy and Oswalt says he is ready to go. Keep in mind that with a disk issue, it could go south at any point and time. If he was a 1 start pitcher I would advise benching him to see how his start goes; but as a 2 start pitcher the “pot odds” are there to activate him for the week.

Chris Carpenter, SP STL

He is expected to start on Wednesday vs. ATL, 53 weeks post op Tommy John Surgery.

Fantasy Impact: If he is available in your league you absolutely have to go get him. Keep him reserved and watch his first few starts to see if he is ready. Much like Josh Johnson down in FLA; 1 year out from Tommy John surgery is on the early end of returning but that doesn’t mean he can’t help your fantasy team.

Chris R. Young, SP SD

He is expected to return Tuesday vs. ARZ. He has been on the DL since May 21^st after being hit in the face with a line drive off the bat of Albert Pujols.

Fantasy Impact: This is definitely a wait and see start for Young. Keep him reserved as he may not pitch to contact right away as he works through the psychological affects of his injury. There is always the chance he will never be the same pitcher he was before.

Down Ticks:

Fausto Carmona, SP CLE

He returned to the mound Saturday vs. MIN, making his first start since May 23^rd. He had been on the shelf with a strained left hip.

Fantasy Impact: He got shelled; allowing 9 runs on 7 hits in 2 1/3 innings, walking 3 and striking out 1. He had major issues with his control as he consistently was missing the catcher’s target. The hip may still be bothering him or maybe he was just rusty, either way, bench him until he figures it out.

Aaron Harang, SP CIN

He was eligible to come off the DL last Wednesday but instead remains on the shelf due to a strained right forearm.

Fantasy Impact: He is scheduled to throw off the mound today so he is progressing. There has been no real setback in his rehab to date, they are just progressing him rather slowly. Reserve him again for fantasy week 18; but look for him to return in fantasy week 19.

Chris is a Certified Hand Therapist and avid fantasy sports participant. He consults and treats athletes from high school to the professional ranks sin the Baltimore/DC area for Maryland SportsCare & Rehab and Professional SportsCare & Rehab.