Bringing back the DiSar Awards to celebrate the achievements of those players who believe there’s no such thing as a free pass.
Genetics play a role in Pujols’ quicker-than-expected comeback, Jon Lester, Ryan Braun, Carlos Gonzalez, Placido Polanco, and Fausto Carmona need some more time off, and Jose Reyes and J.J. Putz confront recurring injuries.
Rich Harden resurfaces at just the right time, Travis Snider getting off the schneid means bad news for Juan Rivera, the Dodgers’ Dee Gordon fails his first audition, the D’backs lose their closer, the Yankees release some insurance, and more.
Big Z goes down with what could be a bulging disk, Erik Bedard and Chipper Jones (who else?) succumb to bum knees, and the Nationals may have to do without Jayson Werth and Jerry Hairston Jr.
Some teams in playoff contention have been plagued by glaring weaknesses at certain positions, but it’s not too late for internal options to offer solutions.
Breaking down a pitcher’s delivery to identify the stages of maximum stress, then recapping the game’s recent injuries.
The Indians summon another prospect to prop up their flagging pennant hopes, the Cardinals recover a pair of walking wounded, the Brewers gamble on Mat Gamel, and the potential next Sam Fuld makes his play with the Pirates.
The injury-plagued Twins face more bad news about Delmon Young and Justin Morneau, a pair of Red Sox players and two Phillies pitchers deal with lingering injury issues, and Elvis Andrus tries not to leave the building.
Ike Davis’ ankle isn’t getting much better, Brandon Lyon’s shoulder has more than one problem, Roy Oswalt’s back and Shaun Marcum’s hip act up again, and Jose Contreras and Josh Willingham suffer strains.
How the Cards can cope with the abdication of Prince Albert (and its implications for his payday), a Barton in hand becomes one in the bushes, and the D’backs, Braves, and Giants pursue blasts from the past for their benches.
Dissecting the Pujols diagnosis, checking in on Chris Coghlan’s knee, getting the finger from Brad Hawpe, and watching J.R. throw in the Towles.
The Marlins lose Chris Coghlan and promote Jose Ceda, the Red Sox shake things up in the infield, and the release of Max Ramirez summons memories of Rangers prospects past.
Albert Pujols, Hunter Pence, and Matt LaPorta succumb to sprains, Tommy Hanson hurts his shoulder, the Red Sox suffer a rash of injuries, and John Danks survives a scare.
Darwin Barney and Allen Craig succumb to knee problems, Brandon Lyon takes one step closer to season-ending surgery, and Eduardo Sanchez strains a shoulder.
The Giants are reunited with their long-lost third baseman, the two newest Yankees are introduced, prospects trade places in the Blue Jays rotation, and Scott Kazmir is no Angel.
Vicente Padilla meets the microdiscectomy, Oakland gets good news on Brett Anderson, Justin Morneau hits the DL (and little else), and a calf strain lengthens the Captain’s road to 3000.