Anti-Frankenstein

Looking to build a ballplayer? Don't bother going to New York, where healthy body parts are at a premium

Eduardo Nu√±ez clearly didn't get the memo. The Yankees' shortstop underwent an MRI after being pulled from Sunday's game with a strained rib cage—and it came back negative. That means Nu√±ez, who is playing regularly only because Derek Jeter broke his ankle last October, won't have to go on the disabled list, which seems almost like an act of defiance in New York City. Consider Gotham's injured ballplayers:

1. Ivan Nova,RHP Yankees

Injury: right triceps inflammation

Expected return: mid-May 2013 salary: $575,000

2. Frank Francisco,RHP Mets

Injury: bone spur and inflammation in right elbow

Expected return: unknown

2013 salary: $6.5 million

3. Curtis Granderson,OF Yankees

Injury: fractured right forearm

Expected return: mid-May

2013 salary: $15 million

4. Mark Teixeira,1B Yankees

Injury: right wrist strain

Expected return: mid-May

2013 salary: $23.1 million

5. Francisco Cervelli,C Yankees

Injury: fractured right hand

Expected return: July

2013 salary: $515,350

6. Joba Chamberlain,RHP Yankees

Injury: right oblique strain

Expected return: mid-May

2013 salary: $1.8 million

7. Kevin Youkilis,3B Yankees

Injury: back sprain

Expected return: mid-May

2013 salary: $12 million

8. Johan Santana,LHP Mets

Injury: torn anterior capsule in left shoulder

Expected return: out for season

2013 salary: $25.5 million

9. Alex Rodriguez,3B Yankees

Injury: torn labrum and impingement in left hip

Expected return: after All-Star break

2013 salary: $29 million

10. Derek Jeter,SS Yankees

Injury: fractured left ankle

Expected return: after All-Star break

2013 salary: $17.1 million

Total salary of Mets sidelined players: $32 million

Total salary of Yankees sidelined players: $99 million

Total salary of New York's sidelined players: $131 million

Teams with payroll of less than $131 million: 23

ILLUSTRATION

ILLUSTRATION BY NICOLE ZIGMONT