Forget the late-season IL panic for a second, because some of the biggest names in baseball are about to jump back onto the field. Less than 40 percent of the season is left, yeah, but a few high-profile guys on the injured list are on the absolute verge of returning, and that changes everything for their teams and fantasy rosters alike.
The Big Guns Primed for Immediate Return
Top of the list? Nick Kurtz from the Athletics, who has been battling a sprained thumb. He’s already resumed hitting and fielding, traveling with the team this week. That sounds like a weekend activation is just around the corner. Then there’s Ronald Acuna Jr. from the Atlanta Braves, dealing with a strained hamstring. He’s on a rehab assignment, but the Braves want him to get his timing dialed in. Still, his return could easily come later this week. And don’t sleep on Jose Ramirez, the Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman, who fractured his hamate bone. Reports say he’s recovering so well he might not even need a rehab assignment, putting him way closer to activation than people realize.
But wait, there are more. Max Fried of the New York Yankees, out with a bone bruise in his elbow, threw 50 pitches in his first rehab start Friday and might only need one more before he’s back. Edwin Diaz, the Dodgers’ closer, dealing with loose bodies in his elbow, is set to appear on back-to-back days this week, which could open the door for a weekend return too. Adley Rutschman, the Baltimore Orioles catcher with wrist inflammation, seems to have a mild case, suggesting he could be back before the end of July. Ranger Suarez, the Boston Red Sox pitcher with a strained groin, is fielding and throwing and could return when first eligible Tuesday. Kyle Harrison, the Milwaukee Brewers pitcher with forearm tightness, bounced back fine from a bullpen session and could be back when eligible July 27. Carlos Rodon, the New York Yankees pitcher with elbow inflammation, has had two PRP injections and is throwing off the mound again, eyeing a return within 2-3 weeks. Even Max Meyer, the Miami Marlins pitcher with a strained neck, could be back as soon as August 4. Maikel Garcia, the Kansas City Royals third baseman with a strained hand, has resumed swinging and could also be back before July is over.
Who’s Still a Ways Out and What It Means
Now, not everyone is so close. Oneil Cruz from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who fractured his hand, has been swinging a bat for a couple weeks, but a move to the 60-day IL means he’s out until at least August 8. Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ slugger with a stress fracture in his rib, isn’t ready to resume baseball activities even after re-imaging on July 15. The Yankees are being super cautious, which means he could be out until September. That’s a huge blow if you’re counting on him. Blake Snell, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher with loose bodies in his elbow, went only 1 1/3 innings in his first rehab start and likely needs 3-4 more. Tyler Glasnow, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher with back spasms, is throwing bullpen sessions, but only fastballs so far. The Dodgers are clearly slow-playing him because they can. Corey Seager, the Texas Rangers shortstop with back inflammation, can do some hitting and fielding, but there’s no clear timetable. And Garrett Crochet, the Boston Red Sox pitcher with a strained lat, is still just playing catch, working to strengthen his rotator cuff. There’s some hope for him, but it’s less concrete.
With the season winding down and Head-to-Head league playoffs looming in September, getting these guys back sooner rather than later is absolutely critical. For those still building up or facing a longer recovery, the runway is short. Every pitch, every swing, every step in rehab matters even more now. We’ll be watching closely to see who makes it back in time to make a real impact.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply