Over the past couple of days a number players on playoff contending teams suffered injuries. August is not the best time to lose contributing players, but the Yankees, Tigers, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Giants and Cardinals could have some hit the disabled list.
In the American League, the Tigers, Yankees and Blue Jays suffered to everyday starters. Detroit's Anibal Sanchez left last night's game against the Blue Jays in the fifth inning with a strained muscle in his right side after striking out Josh Thole. He was relieved by Blaine Hardy and will be re-evaluated today. The team should be able to recover from his absence, especially after acquiring David Price from the Rays.
The Yankees lost catcher Brian McCann to a mild concussion after he took a foul ball off the mask. The team is mulling whether or not he'll be placed on the disabled list. In Baltimore on Thursday night Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera was hit in the right elbow by Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez and he's day-to-day after X-rays came back negative.
In the National League, the Dodgers, Cardinals and Giants suffered injuries and setbacks with some of their players. The Dodgers lost Hanley Ramirez on Friday because of tightness in his right side and he's now day-to-day. The team also placed starting pitcher Josh Beckett on the disabled list with hip and groin injuries. They acquired Roberto Hernandez from the Phillies to replace him in the rotation.
The Giants had to place first baseman Brandon Belt back on the seven-day concussion list after he returned on August 2, but had to leave the team's game on Wednesday because of headaches. The St. Louis Cardinals placed right-handed reliever Jason Motte on the disabled list retroactive to August 1 because of a lower back sprain. They called up lefty Nick Greenwood from Triple-A Memphis to take his spot in the bullpen.
Despite these numerous injuries, there is some good news. Marlins reliever Dan Jennings was released from the hospital after getting hit in the head with a line drive earlier in the week against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Miami placed him on the seven-day concussion list.
You can read more about injuries across baseball on ESPN's MLB page.
