RYAN MADSON, RP, REDS
Injury: Madson's 2012 season is done before it started. He will require Tommy John surgery.
What it means: Sean Marshall will open the season as the likely closer, but Aroldis Chapman is another possible option if he doesn't work his way into the rotation.
RYAN HOWARD, 1B, PHILLIES
Injury: Howard is working back from tearing his Achilles in the playoffs last season. Best-case scenario for his return would be in early May.
What it means: John Mayberry Jr., Ty Wigginton and Jim Thome figure to fill in while Howard is out, with Mayberry starting in LF when he's not at 1B.
AJ BURNETT, SP, PIRATES
Injury: Burnett fractured his orbital bone (eye) while practicing bunting. Early reports had him out until June, but now looks like he could be ready to go by May.
What it means: Jeff Karstens looks to make the rotation until Burnett returns or another Bucs pitcher (read: Erik Bedard) implodes.
CARLOS QUENTIN, OF, PADRES
Injury: Quentin had to have his right knee scoped last week and will miss the first month of the season.
What it means: Kyle Blanks and Chris Denorfria were expected to benefit by Quentin being sidelined, but both are battling injuries of their own. So that leaves Mark Kotsay.
CHASE UTLEY, 2B, PHILLIES
Injury: Utley is still bothered by a balky knee that limited him in 2011. There is no timetable for his return, but he's optimistic he'll play in 2012 (that doesn't sound good).
What it means: Rookie Freddy Gavlis is currently set to replace Utley. Another possible option would be to play Ty Wigginton at 3B and move Placido Polanco to 2B.
STEPHEN DREW, SS, DIAMONDBACKS
Injury: Drew is working his way back from season-ending ankle injury last season. There is no timetable for his return right now, but there have been whispers it won't be until May.
What it means: Willie Bloomquist figures to get the bulk of the starts at SS while Drew is out. But John McDonald could also get some starts.
TIM HUDSON, SP, BRAVES
Injury: Hudson had back surgery in November, which has slowed his start this spring. He's throwing now, but likely won't be in the rotation until May 1.
What it means: It opens up a potential spot for Randall Delgado or Julio Teheran.
COREY HART, OF, BREWERS
Injury: Hart was working his way back from offseason knee surgery. Then he whacked his noggin while lifting weights, requiring stitches. Hart said he'll probably start the season on the DL, but could be activated by April 10 for the second series of the season. However, if it's cold in Chi-town, his return could be delay further.
What it means: Carlos Gomez is first in line to gain playing time in Hart's absence.
FREDDY SANCHEZ, 2B, GIANTS
Injury: Sanchez has been working his way back from shoulder surgery. But he hit a roadblock, sparking speculation that he might return at all.
What it means: Emmanuel Burriss has enjoyed a nice spring and could start at 2B. Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot are also in the mix.
RYAN VOGELSONG, SP, GIANTS
Injury: Vogelsong hurt his back lifting weights in February and it has delayed his spring. He's working for a mid-April return.
What it means: With an early off-day in the schedule, the Giants hope to go with just four starters to open the season with Vogelsong being ready by April 15.
CHRIS CARPENTER, SP, CARDINALS
Injury: Carpenter has a nerve irritation in his neck which has sidelined him indefinitely. The Cards hope his return is "sooner than later," but that doesn't sound really good.
What it means: Lance Lynn will come out of the bullpen to fill Carpenter's spot in the rotation.
CHIPPER JONES, 3B, BRAVES
Injury: Jones, who will retire after the 2012 season, had yet another knee surgery. This one is expected to sideline Chipper until mid to late April.
What it means: Martin Prado, originally slated to start in OF, will cover 3B while Chipper is out. That figures to open up starts in the OF for Matt Diaz or Eric Hinske.
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