8/4 Notes from the Training Room

Written by Chris Kuhlmann

Tuesday, 05 August 2008

Up Ticks:

Francisco Liriano, SP MIN

He returned Sunday vs. CLE after spending most of the season in the minors recovering from Tommy John surgery. He went 6 innings, yielding 6 hits and no runs. He struck out 5 and walked 3.

Fantasy Impact: He is an elite pitcher on a contender and appears back and ready to lead your fantasy team to the promise land. Feel free to activate him in all formats; the BB to K ratio will get better.

Robinson Cano, 2b, NYY

He had been bothered by a hand injury for most of last week but pinch hit Sunday and delivered a key 2 RBI single late against LAA.

Fantasy Impact: The hand injury may linger for a bit with soreness but if they are confident enough to have him pinch hit in a key situation, he should be good to go for this upcoming week.

Brian McCann, C ATL

He was out for the first series of last week and was only available to pinch hit in the second with a minor concussion. He is expected to resume full duties today vs. SF.

Fantasy Impact: McCann is arguably the best fantasy catcher this year. If he is back, get him your lineup as the affects of the concussion should not have any lingering effects.

Down Ticks:

Billy Wagner, RP NYM

He is scheduled to have an MRI on his forearm.

Fantasy Impact: An MRI on a knee is quite common; an MRI on a forearm is not. This screams of major concern. Bench him for this week and have options ready in case the news is bad, real bad.

John Maine, SP NYM

He was placed on the 15 day DL with a rotator cuff strain retroactive to July 29^th.

Fantasy Impact: He will be on the shelf for a start or two but this does not sound to serious as they are expecting him back for a start Aug 13^th vs. Washington.

Khalil Greene, SS SD: Out for the season with a hand injury.

Chris Duncan, OF STL: Out for the season with a neck injury.

Tim Hudson, SP ATL: Out for the season with an elbow injury.

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.