MLB Preseason Betting News – Disabled List Going Wild

The Milwaukee Brewers’ best offseason acquisition, pitcher Zack Greinke, will not be able to start Opening Day, as he will be on the disabled list at the beginning of the season due to a fractured rib.  Greinke injured his rib during a pick-up basketball game, and will likely be in rehab until mid-April. 

The Brewers made a trade for Greinke in December by sending four young players in exchange for Greinke and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt. The news of his injury has deflated the morale of Milwaukee, a team that is hoping to make a run for the National League Central this season.

Meanwhile, the MLB preseason betting favorite to win the World Series this year, the Philadelphia Phillies, are quite concerned with the status of second-baseman Chase Utley’s knee, which is showing signs of the same pain he experienced last season. So far, the knee is not improving with non-surgical methods, and Utley has not yet played in any Grapefruit League preseason games.

Down in Florida, Baltimore has benched Brian Roberts, who will not start in today’s game due to back spasms.  Although Roberts claimed they were no big deal, it appears that the spasms began from Roberts’ dive into first base against the Yankees.  However, manager Buck Showalter is taking no chances, so Roberts won’t see any action on the field today.

On a high note for the Texas Rangers, Ian Kinsler is healthy again and looking for a strong 2011 season. The two-time All Star seems to be at the top of his baseball career now, despite battling numerous injuries over the years, as he has been on the disabled list six times.  But not this season, Kinsler says.  “Staying on the field is the most important thing.”