Injured list

Injured List (IL), previously known as the Disabled List (DL), is a term commonly used in professional sports, particularly in Major League Baseball (MLB), to refer to a list where teams can place their players who are unable to play due to injury. The concept of the Injured List allows teams to temporarily replace injured players on their active roster, thereby maintaining a full complement of players. The rules and duration of the IL can vary by league and sport.

Overview

The Injured List is a critical component of team roster management in professional sports. It provides a mechanism for teams to manage injuries without being forced to play short-handed or release injured players. When a player is placed on the Injured List, they are temporarily removed from the active roster. This allows the team to call up a replacement player from their minor league system in baseball, or sign a free agent in other sports, until the injured player is ready to return.

Types of Injured Lists

In MLB, there are several types of Injured Lists, each with its own set of rules and required minimum stay:

• 10-day IL: Used for players with short-term injuries. Players are eligible to return after 10 days.
• 60-day IL: For more serious injuries, where the player is expected to be out for an extended period. Placing a player on the 60-day IL opens up a spot on the 40-man roster.
• 7-day IL: Specifically for players with concussions. This list has a shorter mandatory stay to allow for quick but safe returns from concussions.

Procedure

To place a player on the Injured List, a team must submit paperwork to the league office, including medical documentation of the player's injury. Once on the IL, players may not compete in official games but can participate in rehabilitation assignments with minor league teams to prepare for their return.

Impact on Teams and Players

The use of the Injured List can significantly impact team strategy and player careers. For teams, it provides flexibility in managing rosters and dealing with the inevitable injuries that occur during a season. For players, being placed on the IL can be both a blessing and a curse. It allows time for recovery without the pressure to play through an injury, but it also means time away from competition and can potentially impact contract negotiations and career longevity.

Controversies and Changes

The rules and usage of the Injured List have been subjects of controversy and change over the years. For example, the transition from the Disabled List to the Injured List in 2019 was made in part to avoid the negative connotations associated with the word "disabled." Additionally, there have been discussions about the strategic use or misuse of the IL, with some suggesting that teams might place players on the IL not solely for health reasons but to manipulate roster composition.

See Also

• Major League Baseball transactions
• Sports medicine
• Roster (sports)