A's Open 2014 Hot, Hurt

Post date: Apr 15, 2014 3:01:22 PM

Alex Cobb (left) joins Mike Minor, Manny Machado, Aroldis Chapman as key A's battling early season injury woes

Every WFBL season brings it's share of good news and bad news. The start to the 2014 campaign has been just such a mixed bag in Philly, where the A's have won their first two games, but where the DL is already full with young players who were expected to play pivotal roles this year. The injuries are far from Philly-exclusive, as major injuries have struck numerous WFBL clubs already. But few have been hit as hard as the A's, where multiple key pieces have found their way to the DL here in the early going.

Righty starter Alex Cobb became the latest victim of the DL epidemic, suffering a strained oblique that put him on the DL, and will now keep him out for anywhere from 3 starts to 6 weeks, depending on how he responds to rest and how the muscle reacts upon his return. He had been off to a hot start, showing exactly why the A's dealt away a large package for the 26-year old hurler (and Chase Utley) back at the Winter Meetings. But at least Cobb got a chance to begin his 2014 season. That's more than a few other Athletics regulars can say.

Lefty starter Mike Minor suffered a urinary tract infection back in spring training that put him behind in his program, then was suffering from shoulder soreness in trying to catch up too quickly. A couple weeks of R&R, and a handful of successful rehab starts, and now it appears as if Minor will finally be able to join the club as soon as next week. The 26-year old southpaw won 9 games a year ago in his first full A's season. He was 4th in the rotation in Innings Pitched, ERA and WHIP, and 3rd in Strikeouts, and especially with Cobb down will bring a much-needed dependable arm for the rotation depth.

Lefty closer Aroldis Chapman suffered a freak injury back in the spring when he was hit in the face by a line drive. Incredibly, the 26-year old Cuban flamethrower escaped what could have been a seriously tragic result with relatively minor physical injuries. He had a metal plate inserted in his face that will likely be there for the rest of his life, but suffered no brain or eye damage. He is already throwing, and could be on a mound within a week. Originally not expected back until June, he now may return as soon as early May, if he responds well to facing live hitting. That emotional/psychological hurdle may be a big one.

3rd baseman Manny Machado, the 21-year old wunderkind who made star organizational and fan favorite Evan Longoria expendable, suffered a horrible knee injury after the Longo trade had inserted him as the late season starter a year ago. At age 20, Machado hit .280 with 4 homers, 18 rbi, and 23 runs scored in just 175 at-bats before the freak injury suffered while running the bases. He underwent reconstructive knee surgery in October, in order to avoid the possibility of future dislocations. Especially considering his age, it is expected that once he recovers he should have no longterm setbacks. Machado has begun running, has been doing baseball drills, and could go on a rehab assignment as soon as next week. At best, he will be back in mid-May, though he might take until June.

Finally, for now anyway, the A's are still awaiting the return to the organization and the WFBL debut of former top prospect Dylan Bundy. The 21-year old righty hurler became yet another member of the Tommy John surgery almuni club after undergoing the procedure last June. He has progressed as expected, steadily and without setbacks, and has begun throwing again. He is likely still a couple months away from a full rehab assignment, but it is not out of the question that, barring any setbacks, he could be with the A's for the full stretch run of the regular season.

Injuries are a part of the game, but in the early going of 2014 they have been a particularly challenging part of the game for a number of WFBL teams, and the A's are not only not an exception, they have been challenged as much as any team. Yet unlike a year ago, when they got off to an 0-2 start before recovering and challenging for a playoff spot before wilting under key injuries then to outfielders Bryce Harper and Giancarlo Stanton, this year they got off to a 2-0 start. They have covered for the injuries to this point with astute moves and improved, experienced depth. The hope now is that the currently injured players begin to return, and that this opening stretch proves to be their hurdle. Get the band back together, and make a run for the top. That's the plan - health allowing.