The most significant injury occurred to starting shortstop Jharod Thealer. During the club's March 6 spring game against Hawaii, Thealer suffered a herniated disk in his back that not only took him out of the lineup but forced a trip to the doctor for follow-up. The follow-up examination showed that, while the injury isn't serious, will likely cause Thealer to miss the start of the season.
"It's a tough way to start the season" said Thealer. "After learning the position all of last season, I felt like 2038 was going to allow me to take the next step. Fortunately I won't have to miss too much time."
Thealer will miss 7-8 weeks from the time of the injury. Most predictions have Thealer missing most of April but should be back no later than that assuming all heals well. Oliver Burrell will likely take the majority of reps the rest of the way at Shortstop this spring with Ton Kouda spelling him from time to time.
Fracturing his thumb, Jose Carlos Moreno will have to miss the remainder of spring training for the Wolves. Unhappy as is over being shuffled to the backup role in CF, Moreno will now not have the chance to make his case as a starter as he'll miss the next 4-5 weeks. He'll likely be on the DL come opening day and may be forced to make a rehab assignment once he's healed.
Rafael Suarez was the final significant injury thus far this spring. Suarez, suffering from shoulder bursitis, will likely also miss the start of the season.
"Luckily none of these injuries are too significant" said Wolves manager Millard Davis. "You hate to see anyone get hurt but at least we'll get these guys back soon."
"Not only that" added Wilson, "these guys aren't extremely pivotal to our chances. Thealer's loss hurts us the most because he's the best offensive option we have for shortstop. We'll need him back ready to get on-base often when he comes back. But at least we have some options there. Same for Suarez. We have plenty of pitching 'options'."
So all in all, things aren't really too bad.
