Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb has been ruled out indefinitely due to a quad injury. The extent of the injury was revealed by an MRI that was taken a day after the match that saw Lamb limping off the field.
In retrospect, the match might have resulted in a crucial win for the Diamondbacks but unfortunately, it has come at a cost of one of their key players. Let’s take a closer look at how Jake Lamb got injured.
Details of the Play
On Wednesday night’s game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres, D-backs third baseman Jake Lamb suffered a quad injury while legging out a double in the ninth inning. This caused him to be out of the game early, and an MRI revealed the extent of the injury.
Recap of the Play Where Lamb Got Injured
During the ninth inning of the game, Lamb hit a line drive to left field and reached second base trying to stretch it to a double. However, while approaching the base, he grabbed his right thigh and collapsed onto the ground.
Examination of Lamb’s Movements During the Play
Lamb’s movements during the play seemed normal, given that he was running towards second base. However, as he approached the base, he seemed to be favoring his right leg. Upon reaching the base, he made an awkward slide and immediately grabbed his thigh in pain.
The Potential Causes of Injury During the Play
There are several potential causes of injury during the play. One possible cause is the fact that Lamb was trying to stretch a single into a double, which would have required him to run faster and put more pressure on his legs. This could have aggravated his muscles and eventually caused an injury.
Additionally, Lamb’s awkward slide into second base could have contributed to the injury. Sliding is a risky technique that requires proper execution to avoid injury. If Lamb’s technique was incorrect, it could have caused unnecessary strain on his muscles, leading to the injury.
Lastly, the playing conditions could also have contributed to Lamb’s injury. Players are more prone to injuries on wet or slippery fields, and if the field was not in good condition, then it could have been a factor in his injury.
Jake Lamb’s quad injury serves as a reminder of how easily injuries can occur during a game, even when a player is executing routine plays. As a result, players must be cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure that they do not sustain unnecessary injuries.
Ultimately, the Diamondbacks will miss Lamb’s presence on the field, and they will have to make do without him until he fully recovers.
Previous Injuries
Any Previous Injuries Lamb Has Suffered
Unfortunately, Jake Lamb has a history of injuries during his baseball career. His most recent injury is a strained right quadriceps muscle that he sustained during the game against the San Diego Padres.
But before this injury, Lamb had been on the injured list due to a left groin strain and left quadriceps strain back in 2019 while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He had also undergone left shoulder surgery in August 2018.
How Previous Injuries May Have Contributed to This Injury
It’s potential that his previous injuries, particularly the ones on his quadriceps muscle, have contributed to his current injury. Scar tissues from his previous injuries, combined with the repeated strain and pressure placed on the muscle, might have made it more vulnerable to injury.
Additionally, if the previous injuries hadn’t fully healed, it might have weakened the muscle, making it more susceptible to future injuries.
Managing Previous Injuries for Athletes
Managing previous injuries is crucial for athletes to prevent the accumulation of injuries and re-injury. It requires adequate rest, rehab and recovery time, and targeted exercise and training to stimulate the weakened muscles and avoid further complications.
Not managing past injuries, especially coming back too soon without proper rehab, could lead to other issues and even end a career for athletes.
Being mindful and cautious about the player’s injury history is essential in creating an effective training and conditioning plan that reduces the risk of future injuries.
The previous injuries may have weakened the athlete’s muscles, but with proper management, it is still possible to improve their chances of performing and succeeding in their careers.
Muscle Fatigue and Overuse
Muscle fatigue is a physiological state that occurs when a muscle is unable to generate or maintain the required force or power output. Overuse, on the other hand, refers to repetitive microtrauma that can occur when a muscle is subjected to excessive and sustained activity. Both muscle fatigue and overuse can lead to injuries.
When a muscle becomes fatigued, it may not contract or relax properly, resulting in a loss of control and coordination. This can increase the risk of injury as the muscle may not be able to respond quickly or effectively to changes in movement, leading to strains, sprains or tears.
Overuse injuries occur when the body is unable to repair microtrauma that accumulates in a muscle, leading to pain and inflammation.
Lamb has been playing regularly for the first time this season after missing much of the last two years with injuries. Since July 1, he has started in 23 of the Diamondbacks’ 25 games, playing primarily at third base. He has also been hitting well, with a .283 batting average and eight home runs during that span.
The combination of Lamb’s recent playing schedule and workload may have contributed to his injury. Playing in 23 games in 25 days is a demanding schedule, and the fact that he was playing a physically demanding position like third base likely added to the stress on his quad muscles.
Additionally, Lamb has been hitting well, which may have led to him pushing himself harder than usual, resulting in muscle fatigue and increased risk of injury.
While it is impossible to know for sure if muscle fatigue and overuse were the sole causes of Lamb’s injury, the evidence suggests that they likely played a significant role.
It is also worth noting that Lamb’s injury could have been prevented or mitigated with better monitoring of his workload and regular rest days to allow his muscles to recover. As such, it is important for teams to carefully manage their players’ playing time and workload to help minimize the risk of injuries occurring.
Playing Surface and Equipment
The Playing Surface During the Game Where Lamb Got Injured
It is essential to examine the playing surface during the game where Lamb got injured as it may have a significant impact on his injury. From the available information, it is not clear whether there are any factors in the playing surface that may have caused his injury.
However, the playing surface must be checked thoroughly to rule out any factors that may have caused the injury.
The Potential Impact of the Surface on Lamb’s Injury
Several factors may contribute to the impact of the playing surface on Lamb’s injury. The type of surface, its condition, and maintenance play a crucial role. For example, if the surface is artificial turf, it can be more abrasive and lead to more injuries than natural grass.
Moreover, uneven surfaces or divots on the surface may cause players to lose their footing, leading to injuries such as quad strains.
Consideration of Any Equipment-related Factors That May Have Contributed to the Injury
Equipment-related factors may also contribute to Lamb’s injury. The type of footwear used by the player is a crucial factor. If the player’s footwear does not provide adequate support, it may result in the player losing traction on the surface, leading to an awkward stride and ultimately resulting in a strain or a pull.
Additionally, bats used by players could also pose a risk. If any defect exists in the bat, such as a faulty grip, it may lead to the player using excess force or losing control of the bat, causing injury to themselves or other players.
Examining the playing surface, analyzing the impact of the surface on the injury, and considering equipment-related factors are all critical steps in understanding Lamb’s injury in the context of the game.
While information is limited, a comprehensive assessment can help identify potential risk factors and prevent similar injuries from occurring in the future.
Where Did Jake Lamb Come From?
Jake Lamb was born in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Lamb attended Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle. In high school, he played baseball, basketball, and football.
Lamb went on to play college baseball at the University of Washington. While at the university, he was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection. Lamb was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 6th round of the 2012 MLB draft.
He made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks in 2014. In 2019, Lamb was traded to the Oakland Athletics. He is currently a free agent, having played for the Atlanta Braves in 2021.
When Did Jake Lamb Become a Dodger?
Lamb’s Journey From D-backs to Multiple Teams
After beginning with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jake Lamb underwent a series of trades and releases that saw him play for multiple teams.
Free Agency and Minority Contract
After becoming a free agent for the first time in his career this offseason, Lamb was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers to a minor league contract.
The Future of Third Base
Lamb’s journey to the Dodgers places him in the team’s competition for the starting third baseman position alongside multiple players, including Justin Turner, Edwin Rios, and Matt Beaty.
Lamb’s Impressive Stint With Oakland
During a brief 2020 season, Jake Lamb played 20 games for the Oakland Athletics, where he led the team with a .545 slugging percentage and six home runs, carving out his potential as an offensive talent.
The Versatile Star’s Prospects With Dodgers
While seeing time at third base, Lamb has previously demonstrated versatility, playing first base and in the outfield, which could give him an edge in the competition for a place on the Dodgers’ opening-day roster.
To Recap
It’s a huge blow for the Arizona Diamondbacks who were expecting Lamb to be a vital part of their team. Suffering from a quad injury, Lamb is likely to remain sidelined for several weeks. Considering the impact he has had on the team in the past, his absence will definitely be felt in the coming matches.
We just hope that Lamb recovers soon and gets back to playing at his best.
