Rehab Rundown
As the calendar flips toward the latter half of the season, a wave of injured stars is inching closer to full duty, turning rehab outings into the most watched spectacles on the diamond.
For the Atlanta Braves, outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has been spotted on a rehab assignment and is expected to rejoin the club later this week, a boost that could reshape their lineup.
Meanwhile, third‑base stalwart Jose Ramirez appears to be nearer to activation than earlier reports suggested, potentially bypassing a formal rehab stint altogether.
On the pitching side, Max Fried’s first rehab start saw him throw 50 pitches, putting him within a single outing of a return that could stabilize the Braves’ rotation.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are also seeing progress from closer Edwin Diaz, who is on track to be ready for a weekend comeback, while the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge remains a month‑plus away from any baseball activity.
Milwaukee Brewers prospect Kyle Harrison could make his debut as early as July 27, and Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles is battling mild wrist inflammation, with a return before the end of July looking plausible.
Other notable arms include Carlos Rodon, who has resumed throwing off the mound and may be back within two to three weeks, and Blake Snell, who after a 1 1/3‑inning rehab start will likely need three to four more before he’s cleared.
The Miami Marlins’ Max Meyer could be activated as soon as August 4, while Tyler Glasnow is still limited to fastball work in bullpen sessions.
A host of other players are making steady progress: Maikel Garcia has resumed swinging, Corey Seager is doing light hitting and fielding, and Garrett Crochet is strengthening his rotator cuff with an August or September target.
Spencer Strider’s upcoming follow‑up appointment could see him resume throwing soon, and Will Smith had to pause his ramp‑up due to neck pain but is expected to restart this week.
The depth of the rehab pool extends to prospects such as Konnor Griffin, who may see action in September despite being on the 60‑day injured list, and Roman Anthony, who is still building strength at the team’s spring‑training facility.
Kris Bubic is set to begin a throwing program this week, putting him on a mid‑August return path, while Connelly Early has already resumed throwing and may soon start a rehab assignment.
Veteran Mike Soroka is slated for a simulated game this Saturday, with a rehab start to follow and an early August comeback in mind.
The Pirates’ Spencer Horwitz is currently on a rehab assignment and could be back this weekend, while Matt Chapman, though without an official assignment, is expected to return shortly.
Giancarlo Stanton has resumed running but still lacks a concrete timetable, whereas A.J. Smith‑Shawver has impressed in four rehab starts and may earn a rotation spot soon.
Jackson Jobe’s latest rehab start lasted three innings, putting him on track for two more outings, and Joe Musgrove is ramping up with a two‑inning simulated bullpen session that could see him back in August.
Clay Holmes’ return was delayed by rain, but he is targeting a July 28 debut, while Robert Suarez has resumed throwing without a set timeline.
Zack Gelof’s recent stitch removal opens the door for a ramp‑up, and Corbin Burnes is back on a throwing program, though a mound‑return date remains uncertain.
Clarke Schmidt threw his first batting practice and could begin a rehab assignment before month’s end, while Edward Cabrera is in the bullpen and expected back in the second week of August.
Connor Prielipp made a rehab start and could make one more before returning this Sunday, and Jordan Lawlar is participating in all activities except full‑speed running, positioning him for a key role in the final two months.
Endy Rodriguez has been hitting for about a week and should start a rehab assignment before the month’s close, while Ryne Nelson has begun a throwing program but is still working toward starter eligibility.
Felix Bautista has turned heads in throwing sessions and could be back before the season ends, and Matt McLain joined the road trip, took batting practice, and could be activated this week.