Collateral Damage Daily for May 2

Injuries are taking their toll on teams throughout the majors, but there could be some relief within the next few weeks. The big news of the day involves Evan Longoria and how what seemed to be an awkward slide will cause one of the leading hitters in the American League to miss a few months because of a strained hamstring. There was also another non-baseball injury addition, but there were several players taken off the disabled list over the last few days.

Additions

• Joe Maddon said Evan Longoria’s knee was just a little sore, but further tests led to the diagnosis of a partially torn hamstring. Longoria was placed on the disabled list Wednesday. He’s expected to be out at least six weeks; Sean Rodriguez and Elliot Johnson will take over the duties in the interim. Longoria doesn’t really have a significant history of hamstring issues, so that is one of the few good signs. Will Rhymes was brought up to provide a little more depth, but it looks like we won’t see Longoria for some time.
• Jeremy Affeldt was placed on the disabled list with a non-baseball related injury. Pitchers have been having a hard time off the diamond recently, and Affeldt sprained his knee while reaching out to catch his son jumping off the couch. He felt a pop, and while the swelling wasn’t too bad, he and the Giants didn’t want to risk him pitching off a painful leg. Manager Bruce Bochy said it would take Affeldt about a week to 10 days for it to heal, which would suggest an MCL sprain. If his injury is not too severe, then it is very likely to be a minimum stay on the disabled list. The Giants brought up Travis Blackley from Triple-A Fresno to take his place.

Subtractions

• Allen Craig was activated from the disabled list after finally recovering from last November’s knee surgery and missing the first month of the 2012 season. After playing first base during his rehab appearances, he was immediately placed into the St. Louis lineup at first base on Tuesday. It’s not clear if Lance Berkman is going to be back when he is eligible, so having Craig back gives the team flexibility. Outfielder Erik Komatsu was sent down in order to make room for Craig.
• Mike Carp was also activated from the disabled list on Tuesday once he recovered from his separated shoulder. Carp wasn’t doing great on his rehab assignment, but he did remain healthy. Carp replaced the injured Miguel Olivo on the DL. Carp basically let everyone know the plan on his Twitter account before an official announcement. He still has some resolving soreness with throwing, but that should get better over time.