October 10, 2011
Division Series Injury Updates
Ryan Howard, PHI (Left Achilles Surgery) [AGL: 17(87 DL), ATD: TBD (-.287 DL)] (Explanation)
The vast majority of ruptured Achilles tendons occur in field players or runners as the calf is forced to contract forcefully while being lengthened. Termed an eccentric contraction, these can produce forces much greater than when you consciously tell the muscle to contract. In relatively healthy baseball players of this age group, there is usually some sort of underlying tendon damage that weakens the area. In Howard’s case, his chronic inflammation in and around the tendon this season likely contributed to his injury. The inflammation breaks down and weakens tissue on a microscopic level, especially when it occurs for some time.
Howard now faces surgery once the swelling has gone down in the area, likely within the next several days. These cannot be delayed for too long or the damaged end of the tendon will become retracted further into the calf, making a repair much more difficult. Estimates are that Howard will miss between six to twelve months, but six months sounds overly optimistic. In the database, none of the players returned in the same season that they were injured, not even with the surgery in early May. The fastest we have anyone returning is Gabe Kapler, who did it in a little under nine months between the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Howard is obviously much bigger than Kapler and will have significantly more force directed through his Achilles with each step. As such, we’d be hesitant to say he will be ready before the start of the 2012 season and has a good chance to miss a significant chunk of the season.
Cole Hamels, PHI (1. Left elbow surgery – loose bodies 2. Inguinal hernia)
Howard is the most severely injured of the Philadelphia Phillies but certainly not the only one. Hamels is scheduled to undergo surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies that have accumulated over time. He has a history of elbow problems, including a sprain of the UCL in his elbow, likely leading to some looseness. Over time, some bone chips or pieces of cartilage have broken off and are now becoming an irritant in his elbow—although you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at his stats. The procedure is usually quick and minimally invasive, meaning he should have more than enough time before the start of spring training.
That’s not all though for Hamels. He’s also facing potential surgery on an inguinal hernia that has developed and given him problems. A few other Phillies are facing sports hernia surgeries, which are slightly different than inguinal hernias. Both types of hernias involve a part of the abdomen called the inguinal canal, but there is one main difference between the two. In sports hernias, the muscles of the abdomen wall are weakened, leading to pain and discomfort, while in inguinal hernias there is an actual pouching through the abdominal wall.
Even with both the elbow and hernia surgery, Hamels should be on track for the 2012 season. Neither should limit his performance in any way going forward either.
Magglio Ordonez, DET (Right ankle fracture) [AGL: 56 DL, ATD: -.006]
Delmon Young, DET (Left strained oblique) [AGL: 6(23 DL), ATD: +.001(+.008 DL)]
Skip Schumaker, STL (Right oblique strain) [AGL: 6(23 DL), ATD: +.001(+.008 DL)]