Sims: Breaking Down The Quad Strains Suffered By A-Rod And Derek Jeter
By Abby Sims
» More Columns
With a pair of Grade 1 quad strains between them, the contributions that are expected out of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are obviously lowered further and delayed longer.
One consideration that appears to have been left out of the equation in planning both players' re-entry following this glitch is simply an issue of cause and effect.
It was an all-out sprint that caused each of the strains; Jeter was trying to beat out an infield grounder and A-Rod was attempting to stretch a base hit into a double. Whether or not it was the first time that either athlete had pushed his limit since his most recent injury (or surgery in A-Rod's case) is something only they -- and perhaps the Yankees' medical team -- know. If so, it certainly wasn't the best idea to wait until a game situation to do so. If not, well, their vulnerabilities are once again exposed.
Regardless, what should be kept in mind is that the rest and rehab required to completely heal and get back to playing shape will keep these guys from running altogether in the early phases of recovery. Consistent with that was Sweeny Murti's weekend report that Jeter no longer has any symptoms, though he had yet to run. Refraining from the activity that caused the injury is a good thing. But, it is crucial to recognize that if these guys weren't equipped to run full-out before these strains, they will be even less equipped to do so afterward. That will take time.
So, if they do return before repeatedly pushing their limits over sustained periods in training, look for a different level of effort and/or a pattern of re-injury. I'm just sayin'…
Follow Abby Sims on Twitter @abcsims.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
