Spring injury roundup: Peavy expected to start Thursday, Happ sidelined with back inflammation
Updates on injuries from around the league.
Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Red Sox right-hander Jake Peavy will throw a bullpen session on Saturday and could make his spring debut if the team feels as though he's ready, as the Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson reports. Peavy, 32, is recovering from a laceration on his non-pitching hand he sustained in an accident with a fishing knife last weekend. If he can get back on track next week, he could start the team's home opener on April 4 against the Brewers. If Peavy misses a start, Brandon Workman or Chris Capuano will stand in, according to manager John Farrell.
Colby Rasmus received cortisone injection
Blue Jays outfielder and chili-dog aficionado Colby Rasmus received a cortisone shot after experiencing neck spasms, according to TSN Radio's Scott MacArthur. The Jays have prospect Anthony Gose and Moises Sierra as their projected bench outfielders (according to MLB Depth Charts), so if he is forced to miss a considerable amount of time, the Jays will be able to give Gose a shot in center. However, Rasmus is expected to resume baseball activities shortly, so unless the issue becomes more serious, he isn't likely to open the year on the disabled list.
J.A. Happ sidelined with back inflammation
Happ will miss his next scheduled start. The 31-year-old lefty has been dealing with “nagging” inflammation in his back. The team is being cautious in order to avoid pushing Happ too hard, according to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling.
“We forced him to shut it down. If you keep pushing it, you can aggravate it worse and next thing you know you’re on the DL.”
Happ posted a 4.52 ERA in 92⅔ innings last season.
If he misses any time in the regular season, his absence could be the opening prospect Marcus Stroman needs to break into the big league rotation, though the Blue Jays would certainly prefer to have both players healthy and make that decision based on talent. The team is hopeful that Happ will be ready to go when it opens the season later this month.
Luke Hochevar could need Tommy John surgery
Royals manager Ned Yost "sounds more resigned to Luke Hochevar needing Tommy John surgery," according to the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough. The team was hopeful that Hochevar could return by the end of May earlier this week, but Yost said he knows the right-hander's elbow is likely to blow out at some point. The former starter rejuvenated his career last season in the Royals bullpen, posting a 1.92 ERA in just over 70 innings. He will be a free agent next winter.
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