Daniel Murphy — Left D2 Fracture
Daniel Murphy fractured his left index finger at the distal joint while fielding a ball at first base on Friday (3/29). Murphy is visiting a hand specialist to determine if he has a mallet finger deformity, which I suspect is likely given the examination. A mallet finger is caused when the terminal branch of the extensor tendon is severed at the final joint of the finger, causing that finger to remain in a state of flexion at that joint. Treatment for mallet finger involves immobilizing the finger in extension so that collagen scar tissue can replace the function of the severed tendon. This process can be complicated based on the fracture. Murphy is likely to miss 6-8 weeks with this finger injury.
Estimated return: Mid-to-late May.
Justin Upton — Turf Toe
Justin Upton is battling turf toe and was provided a troubling timetable of 8-12 weeks despite MRI not showing ligament damage.
Estimated return: June or July.
Hunter Strickland — Grade 2 Lat Strain
Hunter Strickland is dealing with a grade 2 lat strain, with no timetable outlined by the club at this time. He will likely miss ~8 weeks, though his rehab work as an RP shouldn’t be too daunting. It is unclear whether Strickland will return to the closer role once healthy.
Estimated return: Mid-June.
Evan Longoria — Left Calf Soreness
Evan Longoria is battling soreness in his left calf that may be indicative of a grade 1 calf strain. He is currently day-to-day and the San Francisco Giants don’t feel this will be a long-term injury. Assuming this injury is as minor as the Giants believe, Longoria may return to the lineup prior to the latter half of next week.
Estimated return: Approximately April 5th.
Andrew Benintendi — Right Knee Soreness
Andrew Benintendi is dealing with a sore right knee after fouling a ball off the knee on Saturday (3/30). There is no reason to believe this is anything more than a contusion and Benintendi should return to full duties shortly. The Boston Red Sox currently project Benintendi to return on Monday (4/1).
Estimated return: Approximately April 1st.
Graphic by Michael Haas (@digitalHaas on Twitter)
After Turner’s x-ray when do you think he will be on the field for the Nats again? I’ve been reading 3 weeks to several. I’m thinking of making a trade offer for him and keeping him on IL depending on how long he will be out and what type of discount I can get.
Three weeks would be a short timetable considering it is his throwing hand. Sometimes a small bone like a finger phalanx can be immobilized sufficiently to return to play earlier, though it is hard to do with a throwing index finger. A trade offer would be a great idea but I’d be anticipating a 6 week absence.