Injuries? Yeah, I’ve Had a Few

I broke my right ankle when I was 15. I broke my right orbital bone (beneath the eye) when I was 26. Only two bones I’ve ever broken in my life — both playing softball.

But we’re not here to talk about me. We’re looking today at players who are injury risks in 2008. And when I say “we,” I actually mean Chris Neault, who has a detailed rundown up at Hardball Times. Here’s his take on Angels right-hander John Lackey:

Inner elbow pain is not something that you want to have. Lackey logged over 3500 pitches last season, and over 200 innings in four of his six major league seasons. He also has started 32-33 games in each of the past five seasons. With these stats, and his complaints of elbow pain, there is no question that father time is catching up with his elbow. He is bound for the DL to start the season, and if he does not bounce back in the next month, you can be certain that an extended stay on the shelf will be next. Let’s hope for his sake that he does not require Tommy John surgery.

Interesting and potentially very useful stuff. Chris, who is a licensed physical therapist, also has his own blog, The Disabled List Informer. I’ve added it to the blogroll (despite his love of the Red Sox); be sure to pay him a visit.