From the editor: As we continue to try and expand our coverage at FantasyCPR, we’re excited to welcome an injury expert to the team. Brandon is a fantasy veteran and a health science student majoring in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Sports Psychology. He’ll be set up with the username FantasyDoc and you can follow him on twitter @FantasyDoc . This is the first of his 2-part look at recovering fantasy baseball players. Check back tomorrow for his take on the position players recovering from injuries.
May 31, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Brett Anderson (49) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
Brett Anderson (OAK)
After recovering from Tommy John surgery he has begun to throw full distance pitches off the mound. Although this was just at about 60-70% velocity there is still a good thought he will regain his potential as a good value pitcher going forward but he is not expected until the second half of the season. This is a guy who will be available if one of your Pitchers that you drafted goes down months from now and a good guy to keep tabs on.
Return no earlier than August expected.
March 9, 2011; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
Adam Wainwright (STL)
Also recovering from Tommy John surgery he is scheduled to return at the start of the season. He has become somewhat of a forgotten ace, since Chris Carpenter did well in filling in for the defending World Champions. I look for Wainwright to be available later than his production warrants, he could be a top 5 pitcher this season. He has even been quoted as saying “he felt like his old self again” and his old self is a top tier Starting Pitcher.
Return opening day expected.
Chris Perez (CLE)
A recent development in his rehab may suggest that he will be available on opening day, but not likely. He has an oblique strain that requires at least 4-6 weeks recovery and this occurred just last month. If you were to pick up Perez it would be advised to secure the closer role by also picking up Vinnie Pestano, who is said to get the opportunity given Perez’s health issue.
Return for opening day possible.
Mar 10, 2012; Jupiter, FL. USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson (55) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. The Marlins defeated the Cardinals 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE
Josh Johnson(MIA)
There seems to be some optimism in spring training and he has already thrown in competitive play and not only said he felt great but more importantly and telling is he also pitched well. He is a guy definitely worth taking a risk on early since he may go late after being shutdown with shoulder inflammation last year. He didn’t seem to lose anything as far as mechanics,looking sharp as he threw 41 pitches with no residual pain. The Marlins expect him to be atop the rotation to start the season and he could be primed for an elite starter type season.
Opening day starter.
Johan Santana(NYM)
He has performed in spring training already this season and looked good, not the Santana of old but certainly satisfactory. He stated that he needed to work on his location more so than velocity at this point. The fact that he understands that precision is more of an important factor gives us insight into what his rehab progression is primarily focused on. He has a strength program that will continue leading up to opening day and coming off a torn anterior capsule it is important to strengthen around the shoulder joint. He is another guy who will be forgotten since he did not produce as of last year, but it is tough to know where he should actually rank until we see some more work in spring training. Wins might be at a minimum since the Mets do not look to factor in the playoff hunt this year with their lack of offensive production.
Return for opening day started possible.
Mar 9, 2012; Jupiter, FL. USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE
Stephen Strasburg(WAS)
The phenom was shut down last year due to Tommy John surgery and was recovering well enough to return and get some work in to end the season last year. This is a sign that he had healed well and was ready for a Cy Young campaign, which a lot of scouts predicted for the young talent. He will be heavily protected by the Nationals organization and they do have some depth to do so this year. His pitch count will be limited so predicting a top 5 season will be hard to foresee due to the lack of innings pitched. You can pretty much assume he will do what he did his first year in the bigs. He is good candidate for a top tier pitcher in the first half of the season. The most value will come if you can trade him for a consistent pitcher who will not be limited in pitch count. He did hit 100mph on the radar in a spring training game already so velocity is not a concern its just the longevity and limitations by the club that will make him a mid to late round guy, with other options available draft at your own risk.
Opening day starter
Francisco Liriano(MIN)
Its unfortunate that the Twins will be so dismal offensively otherwise Liriano could be poised for a bounce back season. He is a guy that will be available real late and will be a sleeper candidate but not for the wins category. His shoulder strain was clearly an issue all of last season and now with a better frame of mind, being that he is healthy, I expect him to perform at a high caliber performance. He most definitely is worth owning especially if you can get him as a steal in the later rounds.
Opening day rotation
Tags: Adam Waiwright, Brett Anderson, fantasy baseball preview, Featured, injury update, Johan Santana, Josh Johnson, MLB Injuries, Stephen Strasburg