With the regular season drawing to a close and the trade deadline already passed, several contending MLB teams are eagerly awaiting the return of key injured players. These additions could be decisive, making the difference between qualifying for the postseason and the possibility of competing for the championship.
Expected Returns in MLB
Here’s an analysis of some of the most influential players preparing to return to action:
Yordan Álvarez, Houston Astros
Estimated return date: Álvarez’s right hand injury has been a long and patient process. After an initial diagnosis of muscle strain in May, his return was expected by the end of June. However, persistent pain forced a specialized visit, revealing a bone fracture. Despite this, Álvarez has resumed training, batting with a tee and making soft throws. The Astros, cautious, hope he can contribute in the final stretch of the season.
Importance to the team: Although the Astros have lost Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, and Álvarez has only participated in 121 plate appearances with a low batting average, the team remains in the fight for their eighth American League West title in nine years. Álvarez, in top form, is compared to Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in terms of batting impact. His return, along with the rise of Jeremy Peña, the improvement of Jose Altuve, and the possible revitalization of Carlos Correa, could position the Astros as the best team in the American League, and even in all of MLB.
Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon, Chicago Cubs
Estimated return date: Right-handed pitcher Assad, out with a left oblique injury, made his third rehab start, showing good performance. He could join the rotation soon. Taillon, with a right calf strain, pitched three innings in a rehab game, feeling good physically. Cubs starters, excluding Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, have a combined ERA of 4.63 this season, and there are no external reinforcements in sight.
Importance to the team: The Cubs failed to acquire a top-tier starter before the trade deadline. Now, they must rely on their internal resources to strengthen the rotation. Assad had an ERA of 3.73 in 29 starts last year. Taillon, known for his ability to pitch many innings, could be a good complement to Boyd and Imanaga.
Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays
Estimated return date: Bieber, after Tommy John surgery, is close to returning. He made his fifth rehabilitation start, striking out six batters in five innings. The Blue Jays hope that Bieber, a Cy Young Award winner, can join Kevin Gausman and José Berríos to form a solid rotation.
Importance to the team: The Blue Jays are counting on the return of several offensive players, but Bieber is key. If he regains his level, similar to 2020, he could be a key pitcher in October. However, the return after Tommy John surgery can be complicated.
Alec Bohm and Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies
Estimated return date: Bohm, after fracturing a rib, has been batting and taking batting practice, and will soon begin his rehabilitation. Nola, with an ankle injury and a stress reaction in his ribs, is also in the process of recovery. Both players could return this month.
Importance to the team: Bohm and Nola have been fundamental to the Phillies’ recent success, and their performance in October will be crucial. They need to be healthy and improve their performance. The Phillies’ rotation has been one of the best, but they need Bohm’s production on offense.
Jake Burger and Evan Carter, Texas Rangers
Estimated return date: Burger, with a strain in his left quadriceps, has played in some rehabilitation games and could return soon. Carter, with back spasms, could have a quick recovery.
Importance to the team: The Rangers need more production from Burger and Carter to secure a playoff spot in a very competitive American League. Burger has underperformed, but could be a good complement. Carter, a sensation in 2023, is also looking to improve his performance.
Robert Gasser, Milwaukee Brewers
Estimated return date: Gasser, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is in the final phase of his recovery. He could join the Brewers’ pitching staff before the end of August. The return of All-Star rookie Jacob Misiorowski is also expected. Outfielder Jackson Chourio could also return soon.
Importance to the team: The Brewers see Gasser as a long-term starter, although he might not have a spot in the 2025 rotation. He could be an impactful left-handed pitcher from the bullpen.
Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds
Estimated return date: Greene, with a groin strain, is close to returning. He made his third rehab start, striking out seven batters. He could join the rotation soon.
Importance to the team: Greene has performed outstandingly since last July. His return, along with Nick Lodolo’s, could make the difference for the Reds in their fight for a playoff spot.
Michael King, San Diego Padres
Estimated return date: King, with a thoracic nerve issue, is close to returning. He threw 61 pitches in a rehab start.
Importance to the team: The Padres need King to join Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, and Nick Pivetta in the rotation to be a complete team.
Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates, Los Angeles Dodgers
Estimated return date: Kopech, with a knee injury, and Scott, with elbow inflammation, could return soon. Yates, with lower back pain, could return before the end of the month.
Importance to the team: The Dodgers have suffered many injuries in their pitching staff. The return of Scott and Yates, along with Kopech, could be key to strengthening the bullpen.
Parker Meadows, Detroit Tigers
Estimated return date: Meadows, with arm problems and a quadriceps strain, could return before the end of August.
Importance to the team: Meadows is valuable in the midfield and in stealing bases. The Tigers hope he improves his batting performance.
Tylor Megill, New York Mets
Estimated return date: Megill, with an elbow injury, is on his way back. He could join the Mets’ rotation at the end of the month.
Importance for the team: The Mets’ rotation needs reinforcements after Megill’s injury. Another capable pitcher could be very welcome.
Bryce Miller and Victor Robles, Seattle Mariners
Estimated return date: Miller, with elbow inflammation, will make two more rehabilitation starts before returning. Robles, after a shoulder dislocation, could return soon.
Importance to the team: Robles is the leadoff hitter and the spark for the Mariners. Miller’s return would strengthen the rotation, which already has excellent pitchers.
