Injury Noose: Liriano, Cashner, Darnell

Injury has become a six-letter word for Padres' fans this past calendar year, generally followed by many shorter (occasionally hyphenated) words that would have our dear mothers reaching for the Dial.

"You throw like a highly-touted and injured prospect, Liriano!"

Health news to chew on (along with some tasty bath salts) after the jump.

• Rymer Liriano, inheritor of newly-renovated RF will miss the 2013 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Liriano was expected to start the season in AA, and some scouts projected him receiving a cup of coffee with the club. With Liriano's timetable delayed a year, look for the Padres to retain The Beast with Two Bats (succinctly, Venorfia) through 2015 if possible.

• In some positive injury news, Andrew Cashner deems himself healthy enough to pitch on Opening Day. While dressing a carcass with a friend, not-Cashner inflicted a puncture wound on the pitching thumb of Cashner, which required surgery to repair a tendon.

• James Darnell, a prospect of periodic power, is optimistic on his shoulder's health starting Spring Training. Darnell has seen his last two seasons end with injuries to his left (non-batting, non-throwing) shoulder. A third baseman displaced to left field (similar in origins to the current occupant of the hot corner) Darnell could spell Quentin and provide insurance in the case of the latter's injury.