Mash Report (8/13/15)

• It may be time to pick up Hector Olivera if you want him as rehabs his hamstring injury in the minors. The Braves are saying he is two weeks off from debuting in the majors so I think it is now or never to pick the player up.

Olivera, who hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring in Triple-A in June while still a member of the Dodgers’ organization, will play two or three days in the GCL according to Hart, and he’ll be moved up through the system from there.

“Get his legs under him a little bit, and we’re satisfied that the hamstring is not an issue — with the idea that we’ll bring him to Atlanta at some point.”

Hart feels that Olivera could make his Major League debut in two weeks, barring any setbacks.

• As expected, Jose Fernandez went on the DL with a strained bicep. I expect him to do a full recovery, pitch a game or two, and then be shut down.

• Koji Uehara is on the DL and will miss the rest of the season with a fractured wrist. Follow the Bullpen Report to find out who may end up with the Save chances in Boston.

• Howie Kendrick was placed on the DL with a strained hamstring. Here are the historic return times for hitters with strained hamstrings:

• Phil Hughes was just placed on the DL with a back injury and could just miss the minimum 15-days.

Manager Paul Molitor was asked about Hughes’ health after that start, but said Thursday they didn’t know anything was wrong with Hughes’ back until Tuesday. Molitor said Hughes’ bullpen was shut down “rather rapidly.” The Twins had an MRI done, and it revealed inflammation in his lower back.

Hughes will have a cortisone injection on Thursday. Hughes dealt with the same issue in 2011 when he was with the Yankees, and Molitor said the shot had been fairly successful in alleviating symptoms in the past.

General manager Terry Ryan said the Twins think they will have Hughes back in 15 days.

• Nori Aoki will likely be placed on the 7-day concussion DL later today.

• Angel Pagan’s will miss at least three weeks with a cranky knee.

• Joel Peralta’s neck is acting up again forcing him on the DL.

• Brandon Maurer will miss a couple of weeks with a bad shoulder.

• Imaginary player, Chaz Roe, is on the DL with shoulder tendinitis.

Velocity Readings

• Sean Doolittle’s average fastball velocity is up in his minor league starts to 92 mph.

Rehabbing A’s closer Sean Doolittle showcased improved velocity in his first Minor League rehab appearance since returning to the disabled list in May with a strained left shoulder.

Throwing one inning with Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, Doolittle hit 92 mph on the radar gun. Back in May, when he came back from a strained left rotator cuff for just one appearance, he topped out at 89.

The velocity not up to his 2014 average value of 94 mph.

Players on the DL in 2015

The Red players have had updates since the last report. Click on the “Date” for a link to go to the latest article on the player.