MASH Report (9/4/14)

September 4, 2014

Well, I just got done with the second most time consuming MASH report of the year when it seems everyone moves off the DL or onto the 60-day DL when the rosters expanded. I hope I got it all. Additionally, I have added a third table for players who will miss significant time, but are not on the DL.

• Carlos Beltran will have elbow surgery at the season’s end to remove some bone spurs in his elbow. Beltran may be a player I target in 2015. His value may be so low that he has the potential to generate surplus value like Victor Martinez did in 2014.

• The D-backs Archie Bradley is finally healthy and available to pitch in the Double-A playoffs.

• Michael Wacha is to return tonight. I feel good about starting him. It doesn’t seem like he was rushed back or struggled in his rehab.

• Stuart Wallace at BeyondTheBoxScore.com wrote another in-depth look at a player’s injury. This time it is Ryan Braun’s hand.

The data does show Braun having some improvement in his production as of late, with some of the therapies and protective approaches employed by the Brewers medical staff providing some relief of his symptoms and allowing for him to remain fairly productive at the plate. This is particularly reflected in his 2014 data, which does show a return to some of the hitting tendencies seen in his healthier 2012 season, hitting to all fields. That said, it appears that Braun’s issue is chronic, with rest being the only effective treatment. Aside from a procedure to cut the nerve, thereby leaving Braun with no sensation to the afflicted area, there are few other medical options.

Fastball speeds for pitchers returning from the DL

Derek Holland’s velocity looks fine.

Daniel Hudon’s average fastball velocity was at a career high. He did throw out of the bullpen which may account for some of the bump, but it is still a positive sign for 2015. Jeff Passan wrote a “couple” words on the Hudson’s return for Yahoo! sports.