This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The word bruise is an interesting medical term. Generally speaking a bruise, also known as a contusion, is a discoloration of the skin. Most bruises occur when blood vessels under the skin are damaged, but the resulting blood released is trapped under the skin. Bruises tend to be the result of blunt trauma but can be an indicator of a more serious underlying problem. The severity of a bruise is often downplayed, though that approach can be misleading depending on the type of tissue involved.
Most people associate the word bruise with the black and blue marks on the skin. Anybody that has stubbed a toe or walked into the corner of a table can relate. These types of injuries are usually just bruises that involve the skin. Muscle bruises or contusions can be more problematic as they involve damage to the muscle itself. Quadriceps contusions or deep thigh bruises are commonly reported in professional sports and can be very limiting. Bone bruises are even more significant and occur when the outer layer of bone tissue is cracked or broken. The body repairs bone bruises just like an outright fracture, creating new bone tissue at the injury site. Even nerve injuries can earn the bruise or contusion label.
Given the wide variety of possible outcomes, fantasy players shouldn't simply relax when the term bruise is used to describe the injuries of their favorite athletes. Instead, consider the specifics of each case to get a better idea of the context in
The word bruise is an interesting medical term. Generally speaking a bruise, also known as a contusion, is a discoloration of the skin. Most bruises occur when blood vessels under the skin are damaged, but the resulting blood released is trapped under the skin. Bruises tend to be the result of blunt trauma but can be an indicator of a more serious underlying problem. The severity of a bruise is often downplayed, though that approach can be misleading depending on the type of tissue involved.
Most people associate the word bruise with the black and blue marks on the skin. Anybody that has stubbed a toe or walked into the corner of a table can relate. These types of injuries are usually just bruises that involve the skin. Muscle bruises or contusions can be more problematic as they involve damage to the muscle itself. Quadriceps contusions or deep thigh bruises are commonly reported in professional sports and can be very limiting. Bone bruises are even more significant and occur when the outer layer of bone tissue is cracked or broken. The body repairs bone bruises just like an outright fracture, creating new bone tissue at the injury site. Even nerve injuries can earn the bruise or contusion label.
Given the wide variety of possible outcomes, fantasy players shouldn't simply relax when the term bruise is used to describe the injuries of their favorite athletes. Instead, consider the specifics of each case to get a better idea of the context in which the word bruise is being used.
For example, Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuna was removed from Friday's game after fouling a ball off his left foot and ankle. The injury was called a bruised foot after an X-ray failed to reveal a fracture. Manager Brian Snitker also stated that the ball struck a nerve in the area, resulting in additional pain. Fortunately, Acuna's symptoms resolved quickly and he was back in the lineup on Saturday and Sunday.
Dodgers right-hander Dustin May is also dealing with a foot contusion after taking a comebacker off his left foot. X-rays were inconclusive, forcing May to undergo a more specific CT scan. Like Acuna, no fracture was detected, and May was diagnosed with a foot contusion. It wasn't revealed whether the contusion is limited to the outer soft tissue or involves the underlying bone, but May did take part in a bullpen session on Sunday. He reported feeling good and remains on track for his scheduled start on Wednesday.
The Rockies slugger did not play Sunday due to lingering issues with his left shoulder. Arenado has apparently been dealing with an injury to his acromioclavicular (AC) joint for a while now, but was no longer able to play through the pain and soreness. The AC joint is located where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the acromion, a bony process of the scapula (shoulder blade). The AC joint acts as a strut for the arm, allowing for the arm to be raised overhead. The area is fortified by multiple ligaments and an injury here is often described as a separated shoulder. Colorado has not revealed when exactly the injury occurred, but Arenado admitted it's been a problem for multiple weeks. He also revealed the flareup has affected him at the plate, sapping him of his usual power and limiting his full swing. The team hopes that some extended rest will improve the problem and expect him to miss a few more days. A trip to the IL seems possible, especially if his symptoms do not dissipate. Consider looking elsewhere for the week ahead and scale back your expectations for Arenado for the remainder of the season.
The Phillies catcher is slated to undergo an MRI on his troublesome hip. Realmuto was removed from Saturday's win over the Marlins and did not suit up for either game of Sunday's doubleheader. Specifics regarding the nature of the injury are limited, with the problem being described as hip discomfort. The need for an MRI does suggest the issue involves a soft tissue structure like a muscle or ligament, but there are still a wide range of possibilities. An update should be provided by Tuesday. It appears the Phillies are at least preparing for this to be an extended absence, as they elected to promote prospect Rafael Marchan to the active roster. Andrew Knapp was behind the dish for both games on Sunday.
Check Swings
Matt Chapman: Oakland will have to navigate the remainder of their season without the services of Chapman. The third baseman is slated to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. Labral tears are complex injuries that are generally accompanied by a lengthy recovery. Don't be surprised if Chapman remains limited entering spring training for the 2021 season.
Sean Doolittle: Just as Doolittle was rounding into form following an injury to his right knee, it now appears the left-handed reliever will miss the remainder of the season with an oblique strain. The injury is expected to keep him out for longer than the minimum 10 days, further strengthening Daniel Hudson's role as the Nationals' closer.
Giovanny Gallegos: A strained right groin has sent the Cardinals closer to the IL. Groin injuries are tricky injuries to navigate, especially for pitchers. The groin is a group of muscles that helps pull the leg inward toward the midline of the body. A limitation here can negatively impact a pitcher's delivery and ability to transfer momentum across the body. Gallegos is likely to miss the remainder of the regular season but could be back for a possible postseason appearance. Alex Reyes appears to be the most likely candidate for the closer role in St. Louis with Andrew Miller also a possibility. Miller was charged with a blown save on Sunday after surrendering a run in the seventh inning.
Ketel Marte: The Diamondbacks second baseman was placed on the 10-day IL with inflammation in his left wrist. While Marte is optimistic he will be back in the lineup before the end of the regular season, I would be a lot more confident about his long-term health if a true diagnosis was provided. Furthermore, the Diamondbacks remain affixed to the bottom of the standings and may be inclined to shut down Marte so he can make a complete recovery. In the meantime, Tim Locastro and Daulton Varsho will pick up the slack in center field.
Chris Paddack: Paddack suffered a sprained ankle in his most recent start, though he has made progress in his recovery. He has shed his protective walking boot and reported a general improvement in his associated symptoms. Paddack isn't a lock for his next start, but it looks he will avoid a trip to the IL.
