Tim Hudson – SP – Out for Season (Tommy John Surgery)

John Maine – SP – 15 Day DL (Strained Right Rotator Cuff)  

These two NL East starters will take very different paths before seeing the playing field again. Hudson will be the third Braves pitcher this season to visit specialist Dr. Andrews this season (the others being John Smoltz and Peter Moylan). Hudson had been solid in 2008 up until his injury, his 11 wins and 3.17 ERA being the highlights. Teams in keeper leagues are now left with a dilemma. Hudson is scheduled to have the surgery within the next week, meaning it won’t be until after the All-Star game in 2009 that he’ll return, if he pitches at all next season. Tommy John surgery is always a risk and some pitchers just don’t recover from it. While stashing him on your DL is always an option, it may just be better to free up the roster space and just monitor his rehab next season.  Maine, on the other hand, will return in 2008. After feeling a slight pain in his bullpen sessions this week, the team decided to shut down him down for a few starts. Maine has produced near his 2007 numbers with 9 wins and 108 K’s so far this year. Owners of Maine should be cautious however, as rotator cuff injuries can sometimes be tricky. If he comes back and has a decent start or two, he could be a sell high candidate should he get hurt again.  

Over-the-Counter Medication:

Brett Myers – Philadelphia Phillies 

After struggling with an ERA well over 5.00 in the first few months of this season, Myers was sent down to the minors to work out the kinks. In his three starts since returning to the Phillies’ rotation, Myers has shown a little of the pre-2008 Brett and a little of the 2008 Brett. On July 29^th, Myers went 7 innings, allowing four hits and one walk. In his other two starts, he’s been ok, but nothing special. Myers does have some things to be cautious about. The velocity of his fast ball has dropped from 92-94 mph to 88-90 since coming back and his K numbers are down. Should he figure out what is wrong with his velocity, look for Myers to see his numbers jump back to his pre-2008 level.  

Doctor’s Prescription:

Josh Johnson – Florida Marlins

Why not stay in the family and pick up another NL East pitcher to replace our two hurt ones? Just like Myers, Johnson has shown in the past that they have the talent to be top of the rotation guys. In 2006, Johnson was outstanding, getting 12 wins with a 3.10 ERA and a K/9 close to 8. Had Johnson pitched five more innings, he would have qualified for the ERA title. In the first half if 2007, Johnson struggled with elbow discomfort, and elected to have Tommy John surgery in August. Johnson can be seen as a success story for Tim Hudson. Since returning in July, Johnson has looked a little rusty but has still been solid. Look for Johnson to improve over the next few weeks.