Spring training is the time of year when players can speed up their timetables. It's also the time when timetables can be significantly slowed by injuries. In the case of Rangers' righthander Matt West and Dodgers outfielder Alfredo Silverio, the news isn't good.

West, ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the Rangers organization, has been shut down for six weeks as he tries to rehabilitate and strengthen a strained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. As reported by BA correspondent Jeff Wilson, the Rangers are hopeful that rehab will allow West to avoid Tommy John surgery. If the rehab goes well, West would not be ready to start the season, but would be available to pitch again this year. If the program doesn't work, West will likely undergo Tommy John surgery that would sideline him for the entirety of the 2012 season and potentially part of 2013 as well.

A third baseman for the first four years of his career, West moved to the mound in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the team's top pitching prospects. When healthy, West pairs a 94-96 mph fastball with good life and a plus slider with excellent depth.

Silverio, ranked No. 4 in the Dodgers' system, is suffering from concussion symptoms sustained in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in January. ESPN Los Angeles' Tony Jackson reported that Silverio is not expected to participate in baseball activities during spring training and is almost assured of beginning the season in extended spring training as he continues to rehabilitate from the accident.

Silverio led the Southern League in total bases and led the minors in triples last season. He played in last year's Futures Game and was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster during the offseason. Before the injuries he was slated to head to Triple-A Albuquerque to start the 2012 season.