Bernie on the Scene: American League Injury Update

This is Part Two of my look into baseball players who missed considerable time last season with injuries. This article highlights American League players.

American League Injuries

Trey Mancini, OF, Orioles

Powerful Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery in spring 2020. After undergoing surgery in March and chemotherapy in September, Mancini posted a video stating he is taking batting practice and preparing for the new season.

After showing the fantasy world and his own Orioles team that he is a power hitter to be feared, Mancini could be forgotten by some as we enter a new year of drafts and auctions.  I would urge you to circle Mancini's name on your preparation board. He will hit in the middle of the order and deliver on his abilities to punish pitchers.

Conclusions:  I think Mancini will be in line for a Comeback Player of the Year Award. I have always liked him, and I still do. He's "the man" in the Orioles lineup.

Chris Davis, 1B, Orioles

Believe it or not, Chris Davis still has two years remaining on his seven-year, $161M contract. It was that contract that caused the Orioles ownership to since put the brakes on any large spending.

Davis played in 16 games this past season before he was shut down with a barking knee. He had patellar tendinitis, an issue he has dealt with for quite some time.

We might think Davis is 83-years old, but he's 34. And finished in my opinion. This guy hit 53 homers and drove in 138 runs in 2013, his only All-Star Year. That was an eternity ago.

If he does come back to play, it will only be because of the contract. There is no way I would waste a roster space on him. Specifically, he has hit 16 and 12 home runs in 2018 and 2019, years when the ball was on steroids. Captain Obvious here —there are better first basemen and designated hitters. Duh!

Conclusions: Pass, thank you.

Chris Sale, LHP, Red Sox

After finally admitting he couldn't continue pitching, Chris Sale had Tommy John surgery in March. There is no way he will be ready to pitch in a competitive game prior to June 2021 (at the earliest, in my opinion.)  Optimistic Red Sox fans believe he'll be back in April. If that's the case, he will be making a huge mistake. The Red Sox have to be cautious with the 31-year-old Sale.

Even if he returns in May, how strong will he be? I think there is reason enough to be concerned about a guy that was once dominant and then began to slip when his elbow and forearm couldn't take the continual beating.

Conclusions:  I will not roster Sale next season. I don't like the team around him, and I think there are younger and better options for the price some will pay for past history. I just don't think his frame is conducive to wear and tear after the major elbow surgery.

Andrew Benintendi, OF, Red Sox

Benintendi was shut down in the short season with a serous ribcage strain.

Recently, Benintendi has gone off a fantasy cliff. He finished 2019 at .266/.343/.431/.774. Remember, Benintendi was supposed to be a guy who could challenge for a batting title. He showed great promise as a rookie and even flashed some power, hitting 20 homers in 2017.

We haven't seen that Benintendi since. He had 52 plate appearances in 2020 and hit .103 with an on base percentage of .314. He struck out 17 times.

Once counted upon to steal bases and add juice to fantasy managers teams, he has dropped off considerably in all  phases of the offensive game.

Benintendi is only 5-foot-9, 180. He could be a gap, slap hitter if he didn't try to hit everything out of the park with a long, uncharacteristic swing for his frame. He's still only 26, though.

Conclusions:  There are so many exciting outfielders in today's game. I think I'll take a pass on hoping for a comeback. I don't like rib injuries. They tend to linger or return. I'm going to take a nap when Benintendi comes up for auction. But it might be a short snooze.

Yordan Alvarez, OF, Astros

In August, Alvarez had arthroscopic surgery on both knees. Ouch. He has begun a running program and should be ready to roll for spring training and the 2021 season.

But here's the thing. I had a scope on my right knee two years ago. The situation has returned. I wonder how free and easy Alvarez will be able to run? Not that he could ever run, but move his legs one ahead of the other to go from point A to point B. 

But we can't forget that Alvarez did hit 27 juiced ball homers in 2019. Is he capable of that again? Yes. And more. He will be the Astros DH and will get plenty of chances to use his left-handed swing to break up baseball games.

Keep in mind that Alvarez won't turn 24 until June. He still has some upside remaining.

Conclusions: I wouldn't hesitate to take Alvarez in auction or draft formats. I think he'll hit plenty of homers and drive in runs on a good, but no longer great baseball team.

Jorge Polanco, SS, Twins

In October, Jorge Polanco underwent surgery to repair a bone chip and bone spur in his right ankle. It was the same ankle that required surgery this past offseason. Two ankle surgeries within months of each other. That's a concern.

It's also a concern that as I write this Nelson Cruz has not signed with the Twins and Eddie Rosario was not offered a contract. Josh Donaldson's health is also a concern. (see below). Those guys helped protect Polanco in the lineup.

I'm a big fan of Jorge Polanco. I think he can bring damage to the opposition with a skilled bat.

But the ankle injuries and required surgeries bother me.

Conclusions: I'm going to watch to see how Polanco moves around in spring training before I reach any final draft or auction decisions. I am likely to lean toward rostering him.

Josh Donaldson, 3B, Twins

Josh Donaldson's calf bothered him enough (again) that he didn't make it to the Twins playoff roster. 

This calf injury has lingered for Donaldson for years. It cost him time in each of his last four teams in four years. He was hurting in Toronto, Cleveland, Atlanta and now Minnesota.

Yes, when he's healthy, Donaldson can be dangerous. But he just turned 35 today, if you are reading this on Dec. 8.

Donaldson hit 37 home runs for Atlanta in 2019. Then he signed with Minnesota and got hurt again. He did play 28 games for the Twins and hit six homers.

Conclusions: Donaldson is strictly a price-driven decision for me. If the risk is minimal, the reward could be great. The risk is his auction price or draft round. I will look, but I may shop at another store.

Luis Severino, SP, Yankees

Luis Severino had Tommy John elbow surgery in late February. He was lost to New York for the season. He has begun a guided throwing program and might be ready to pitch by May or June.

But remember, Severino has missed almost two years of pitching due to his barking elbow and arm issues. If he tries to do too much after his surgery, he could really block his return and cause severe damage to his chances for future success.

At age 27 when spring training begins, Severino is still in his prime. If he is careful, he could carve out a huge role for himself with the Yankees.

Conclusions: I think Severino can return to be a solid pitcher, even if only for a bit more than a half of a season. But he's a good risk/reward candidate.

Mitch Haniger, OF, Mariners

Mitch Haniger has suffered serious back and core injuries for the last two seasons. He recently had core surgery but is on the mend.

Always one of my favorite players, Haniger could have been and should have been a spark plug type player for the Mariners. 

He will turn 30 later this month, and it seems his career has never really taken off. He was a 2012 first-round pick of the Brewers who was traded to the Diamondbacks in 2014 for Gerardo Parra. He was then traded to the Mariners in 2016.

Now starting to begin some baseball activity as he continues to recover, Haniger wants to make up for lost playing time.

Conclusions: Haniger can hit, when healthy. But with two seasons of core problems and surgery to correct the issues, he remains a question for fantasy owners. We have to see how he performs in spring training, but I might be all in.

Luke Voit, 1B, Yankees

Voit carries a tremendously powerful left-handed bat for New York. He was the short season AL home run leader with 22. But in October he was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a very painful injury. It is the same injury that set Albert Pujols back at the end of his tenure with St. Louis and into his life with the Angels.

Voit is optimistic the condition won't hamper him when the new season begins. He has been given platelet-rich-plasma injections to help ease the situation. However, the injury could come back. Be careful with Voit. Know that this is not something that just goes away. Some have surgery to correct plantar fasciitis.

Conclusions: I want Voit anywhere I can get him — but my yellow caution light is on. I don't think his condition will worsen, but it may return and hamper him. But I'm all in. I'll plan for a back up in case he is injured again.

Matt Chapman, 3B, Athletics

All World Defender Matt Chapman had a severe issue with his right hip that required surgery in September. He may have to miss some of spring training but should be ready for the start of the season.

Chapman has to have his outstanding mobility to continue as a tremendous defensive third baseman. He needs hip rotation and freedom in his lower body to hit.

Chapman will turn 28 in April. He has the best part of his career in the windshield. And I think he'll be fine.

Conclusions: I see no problem targeting Chapman following his surgery and rehab experiences. He should be good to go.

Yonny Chirinos, LHP, Rays

Yonny Chirinos had reconstructive Tommy John surgery in August 2020. Given his rehabilitation schedule, he will miss the entire 2021 season. Do not count on Chirinos for your fantasy team next year.

Heading Home

I honestly believe the vaccines will save you, me and professional sports. I look forward to putting this deadly virus in the rear-view mirror.

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