As the regular season draws near and players prepare for opening day, injuries have become more frequent. The Cincinnati Reds have a few key players recovering. Overall, while Padres outfielder Phil Nevin had his season cut short by a shoulder injury last week, it seems that the more serious injuries have been reserved for pitchers.

Reds are black and blue

Danny Graves, Austin Kearns, Brandon Larson and Paul Wilson are all on the road to recovery. Kearns' injury threatened to have the most impact but doesn't seem serious. He underwent a one-hour surgery on Monday to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. It was comparable to the procedure that Barry Bonds underwent last month and should have a similar result.

Kearns underwent rehabilitation immediately after the surgery, and the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that he is expected to return in seven to 10 days. The second-year slugger had difficulty extending his arm before the operation but should be just fine once the soreness goes away. His batting stroke might be hindered a bit in the remaining exhibitions, but he should be ready for opening day and remains a solid Fantasy option in the outfield. Kearns batted .315 in 2002 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI in 107 games. Don't let his operation discourage you. He will likely surpass his 2002 home run and RBI totals if he remains healthy and is well worth a $20 bid in NL-only leagues.

Larson has been sidelined since March 2 because of a sprained right rib-cage muscle and hasn't appeared in a spring game. He appeared in a minor-league game Tuesday and is close to being at full strength. But Larson's timing at the plate will likely be off once the season starts; he has only had 84 major-league at-bats. Having to adjust to a new level will be even more difficult if he is just getting his timing back, and he might get off to a slow start. Don't bid more than $8 for his services and hold off on selecting him until the middle of a NL-only draft.

Wilson has been out since Feb. 26 with a pulled rib-cage muscle but threw a bullpen session Tuesday. He is expected to pitch in Thursday's exhibition game. Wilson is also expected to be the Reds' No. 4 starter. The veteran is not worth drafting or purchasing in a mixed league but is worth a flier in NL-only competition.

Of all the Reds recovering from injury, Graves' might be the least serious. He is suffering from inflammation of the right patella tendon, a condition that is causing soreness in his knee. The Reds plan to only keep Graves out for one start.

"It only bothers me when I run to cover first or get on base," he told The Enquirer. "When it feels OK, (the team doctor) said I could get back in there. I may pitch Wednesday."

Graves was once one of the best closers in baseball but has slightly less value now that he is projected to be the Reds' No. 3 starter. Don't spend more than $5 for him in an NL-only league.

Astacio ailing

Mets pitcher Pedro Astacio will probably begin the season on the disabled list because of right biceps tendinitis. Astacio is also suffering from soreness in his right shoulder. Astacio had his 2001 season ended by a partial tear in his shoulder. Although he denied it, the Mets believed it gave him trouble in the second half of last season. He started 11-4 then went 1-7 with a 10.80 ERA in his final nine starts. Astacio admitted last week that his shoulder is sore but claims that this is a new injury.

"I didn't feel it last year," he told Newsday. "This happened a couple of weeks ago." He will be shut down for another day before he resumes throwing. The Mets probably won't make any final plans about his condition until then. Astacio is slated to be the No. 3 starter, but his health makes him a risky pick. He is only worth a flier in NL-only leagues. Hold off on selecting him until the late rounds of a draft.

Ducking Duckworth

Phillies starter Brandon Duckworth left his March 9 start after one inning with tightness in his right forearm and elbow. He was later diagnosed with inflammation. Duckworth underwent an MRI on Tuesday, and the exam revealed nothing more than tendinitis.

Duckworth won't make his next scheduled start on March 15. Joe Roa will pitch in his place. No date has been set for his return, but the injury is not expected to prevent Duckworth from being ready for the start of the season. The fact that he is battling an injury and is projected to be the Phillies' No. 5 starter might lead some to overlook Duckworth in a draft or auction. However, he has the talent to be a good sleeper.

Duckworth struggled last season, going 8-9 with a 5.41 ERA, but he also struck out 167 batters. Although Duckworth might not be as talented as Mark Mulder, Fantasy leaguers should also consider that the Oakland pitcher had similar struggles before breaking through. Mulder was 9-10 with a 5.44 ERA in his rookie season before winning 21 games the next season. Duckworth might not have as big a turnaround, but is capable of winning between 10 and 12 games with the support of an improved Phillies offense. He has been solid so far, pitching seven scoreless innings in three games. Duckworth has allowed only three hits in his outings while striking out six. He is worth the gamble if you can add him in the late rounds of a draft.