Height/Weight: 5-8/196
| Birthdate: 10/24/1977
| Birthplace: Loma de Cabrera, DR
| Bats/Throws: S/R
| Team: Los Angeles
| College: No College
| MLB Experience: 9
| Salary: $15,730,195
The Dodgers placed Rafael Furcal on the 15-day DL after they realized his back injury is worse than originally thought. He is eligible to return May 21, but might not be ready by then, according to MLB.com. The team's official site expects Luis Maza to be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he is hitting .402, third in the Pacific Coast League. Chin-lung Hu is expected to start in Furcal's absence. (Updated 05/13/2008).
Injury Report
Back - 15-day DL. Out until at least late May (Updated - 5/13/08)
Fantasy Analysis
Furcal was off to a great start in a contract year, but the 30-year-old's best years appear to be behind him -- especially when you consider his speed and slap-hitting skill set. Consider him a stashee in any league with reserves and DL spots. He should return before June, but with back injuries, you never know. (Updated 05/13/2008).
Furcal was placed on the 15-day DL Tuesday because of a lower back strain that has caused him to miss Los Angeles' last five games. (Updated 05/13/2008)
Advice
Team spokesman Mark Rogoff said Furcal would go on the disabled list retroactive to May 6, making him eligible to return May 21. Rogoff said an MRI taken Monday confirmed the switch-hitting shortstop has a lower back strain. He'll receive a cortisone shot Tuesday and began rehabilitation Wednesday with team physical therapist Sue Falsone. Furcal has five homers, 34 runs, eight stolen bases and is the third-leading hitter in the NL with a .366 average.
The Dodgers placed Rafael Furcal on the 15-day DL after they realized his back injury is worse than originally thought. He is eligible to return May 21, but might not be ready by then, according to MLB.com. The team's official site expects Luis Maza to be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he is hitting .402, third in the Pacific Coast League. Chin-lung Hu is expected to start in Furcal's absence. (Updated 05/13/2008).
Injury Report
Back - 15-day DL. Out until at least late May (Updated - 5/13/08)
Fantasy Analysis
Furcal was off to a great start in a contract year, but the 30-year-old's best years appear to be behind him -- especially when you consider his speed and slap-hitting skill set. Consider him a stashee in any league with reserves and DL spots. He should return before June, but with back injuries, you never know. (Updated 05/13/2008).
