Collateral Damage Daily for June 28

Kevin Millwood had to leave last night’s game because of a recurrence of his right groin strain. A few weeks ago, he needed to have his start pushed back because of the strained groin but avoided the DL at that time. This time, he may not be so lucky. The Mariners are going to reevaluate him over the next few days to see how he responds to treatment.

Carlos Santana left last night’s game early with back tightness. He has also been reporting some rib cage soreness and is currently day-to-day. It was only a matter of time before Nick Johnson needed an MRI, and it appears that time is now. He had to leave last night’s game in the fourth inning with wrist pain and will have an MRI in the next day or so. He’s had so much trouble in the wrist that the MRI will show something; it’s just a question of whether it’s related to his current pain. We should have more news in the next few days.

Additions

• The Yankees took a double hit to their rotation on Wednesday. First, CC Sabathia was placed on the DL, retroactive to June 25, with a strained left groin. He felt something during the fourth inning in Sunday’s game and continued to have soreness in his groin after the bullpen session on Tuesday. Luckily for the Yankees, it only appears to be a mild strain; Sabathia could return immediately after the All-Star break. Adam Warren will likely take the lefty’s start on Friday.
• The second shoe to drop on the Yankees occurred when Casey Kotchman lined a ball off of Andy Pettitte’s left leg. He suffered a fractured fibula and is expected to be out for roughly two months, but at least surgery is not expected. It seems like an overly-extended period of time, but the average time missed for a starting pitcher with a fractured fibula is 65 days—if it’s more than a hairline fracture. Pettitte is expected to be put in a walking boot and on crutches for a short period of time before transitioning to just using the boot. Freddy Garcia will take Pettitte’s start next Monday.
• Daniel Hudson will be placed on the DL within the next few days with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He will probably need Tommy John surgery, but there is a chance he could get by with physical therapy. Hudson was having a different kind of soreness in his elbow for the last several starts and had to leave his most recent game with what was termed forearm tightness. It looks like his 2012 will be a lost season. Hudson may seek a second opinion before having surgery, but it does not sound good. Patrick Corbin was brought up to take Hudson’s spot on the roster.

Subtractions

• Phillies fans have been waiting for a long time. Chase Utley was activated from the disabled list 93 days after being placed upon it with patellar chondromalacia, an injury to the cartilage underneath the kneecap. Utley gradually increased his activities to the point where he could take batting practice, run the bases, and play the field without any difficulties. He did not disappoint his fans, either, belting his first home run of the 2012 season in his first at-bat. He is not going to play every day at first but will get the majority of the playing time. The risk of pain recurrence related to his injury is high; it’s just a question of if they can nip it in the bud. Michael Martinez was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Utley.
• Luke Scott is expected to be activated from the disabled list today. He worked out for the team yesterday after returning from his rehab assignment, and the Rays’ medical staff felt he was good enough to be activated. Back issues can linger, even if they don’t require another trip to the DL.