Anti-Frankenstein
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