Injury Landscape Across the Majors
The latest wave of injury updates across Major League Baseball paints a picture of several high‑profile arms edging closer to full health, each carrying implications for their clubs’ postseason hopes.
For the Angels, right‑hander Grayson Rodriguez is slated to be activated from the injured list on July 10 after a bout of lower back tightness, a timeline that could stabilize a rotation that has struggled early in the season.
Across the bay, the Astros are seeing promising signs from both Hayden Wesneski and veteran Lance McCullers Jr., who are reportedly nearing returns from their respective setbacks, a development that could bolster a pitching staff that has been thin.
In Toronto, Spencer Miles is preparing to make his next start with a pitch‑count ceiling in the low‑70s, a restriction designed to manage his workload after a recent injury.
The Guardians have two storylines: prospect Angel Martínez could be back after the All‑Star break following a left foot fracture, while fellow outfielder Chase DeLauter is using his IL stint as a chance to reset after dealing with wear and tear.
Meanwhile, the Mariners expect Brendan Donovan to rejoin the lineup after the All‑Star game, as he recovers from a left groin strain that has kept him sidelined.
The Rangers are taking a cautious approach with Jordan Montgomery and Cody Bradford, who are currently on rehab assignments but have yet to generate an immediate roster impact.
Boston’s Trevor Story is targeting a mid‑July comeback from a sports hernia, a timeline that could add a potent bat to the Red Sox’s middle of the order.
Minnesota’s Bailey Ober is nearing a return from right elbow inflammation, though his fastball velocity has dipped slightly, raising questions about his effectiveness upon return.
Chicago’s White Sox have begun a rehab assignment for Shane Smith after a right rotator cuff strain, while the Cubs are optimistic about reliever Ben Brown’s late‑season return.
Cubs starter Jameson Taillon is also on track to be activated after the All‑Star break, having navigated a left hamstring injury that sidelined him for weeks.
Arizona’s Brandon Pfaadt has tweaked his delivery during rehab starts, aiming to improve control after a stint on the injured list.
In Los Angeles, Enrique Hernández is expected to return and could push Alex Freeland out of the everyday lineup, adding depth to the Dodgers’ outfield.
Marlins right‑hander Janson Junk is wrapping up his rehab from right shin bone inflammation, a process that could see him back in the rotation soon.
New York’s Luis Robert Jr. will be cleared from the injured list in mid‑July after a lumbar spine disc herniation, a move that could revitalize the Mets’ center‑field production.
Washington’s Trevor Williams has started a rehab assignment but is not expected to return until 2026, a long‑term outlook that reflects the severity of his injury.
Pittsburgh’s Aaron Nola has experimented with dropping his cutter in favor of a slider, a mechanical tweak that appears to be paying dividends in his recent outings.
Cincinnati’s Ke’Bryan Hayes is working his way back to the majors after a lumbar bulging disc injury, a recovery that could shore up the Reds’ defensive stability.
Finally, Colorado’s Brenton Doyle remains some distance from a return after a new injury landed him on the injured list, leaving the Rockies to rely on other options in the outfield.