You almost knew that San Diego Padres’ third baseman Chase Headley wouldn’t make it through a season fully healthy, as it looks like he won’t make it out of the month of April.
Apr 23, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley (7) throws out Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Lohse (not pictured) on the fourth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Headley exited Thursday’s game in the second inning with a right calf strain, the same injury he dealt with this spring.
He’s off to a horrible start to the 2014 season, posting a miserable .186/.250/.314 line so far.
Given his early struggles, it is quite possible that the Padres sent him to the DL for the time being and let him fully heal.
He’s also a guy that you should look to move as soon as he is back in the lineup.
Headley has seen all of his metrics plummet since his big season in 2012. His power is way down, he’s walking less, and striking out more. He has also been hurt by a .232 BABIP (.336 career).
Alexi Amarista replaced Headley on Thursday and could get the majority of the playing time if Headley does head to the DL.
He is worth a look in NL-only leagues as he could be a cheap source of steals.
In other injury news:
Justin Ruggiano, Chicago Cubs
Ruggiano hit his first homer on Wednesday but had to leave the game in the ninth inning after he felt his left hamstring pop.
He immediately was placed on the 15-day DL.
The Cubs decided not to add another outfielder, and will rely instead on Emilio Bonifacio to fill in.
Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland A’s
Apr 24, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) walks off the field with medical staff during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Cespedes left Thursday’s game at Houston in the seventh inning with an unknown injury after beating out an infield single.
He appeared to grab his leg after legging out a single to shortstop. It was unclear whether it was his leg that was bothering him or a bruised right heel that took him out of the lineup briefly on the last home stand.
Either way, Cespedes’ situation needs monitored before you continue to throw him in your lineup every day.
Kevin Kouzmanoff, Texas Rangers
What would an injury report be without another Rangers’ injury to report?
Kouzmanoff has been among the hottest hitters for the Rangers and continues to experience back soreness, He flew back to Texas on Thursday and will be examined by back specialist Drew Dossett on Friday morning.
After the exam, the Rangers will make a determination whether Kouzmanoff needs to go on the disabled list.
Kouzmanoff is batting .362 with eight extra-base hits and 10 RBI in 13 games, filling in admirably for Adrian Beltre.
Scott Feldman, Houston Astros
Feldman, the Astros No. 1 starter, on the 15-day disabled list with right biceps tendinitis, took a step forward in his recovery by playing catch Thursday.
He had not played catch since feeling stiffness while playing catch Sunday, the day before he was placed on the DL.
Feldman seems on pace to return when his DL stint is up.