The return of key figures from the injured list could be the differentiating factor between glory and disappointment in this MLB season. With the trade deadline already passed and less than two months remaining in the regular season, several contending teams are eagerly awaiting the return of important players. The competition, considered more open than ever, could be defined by these returns.
Key Players in Recovery
Here’s a look at some of the most impactful players who are on their way back to action.Yordan Álvarez, Houston Astros
Estimated return date: Álvarez’s right hand injury has required patience. Initially diagnosed as a muscle strain in May, the recovery process was extended. Despite persistent pain and a bone fracture, Álvarez has begun batting and taking batting practice at the team’s training camp. The Astros will be cautious, but there is hope that he can help the team in the final stretch.Importance to the team: Despite the absences of Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, and a low initial performance from Álvarez, the Astros are on track for their eighth American League West title in nine years. When healthy, Álvarez is among the most imposing hitters in the game. His return, along with the rise of Jeremy Peña and the improvement of Jose Altuve, could put the Astros at the top of the American League, if not all of MLB.Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon, Chicago Cubs
Estimated return date: Right-handed pitcher Assad, out of action due to a left oblique injury, made his third rehabilitation outing showing a good performance. His next step could be to join the rotation. Taillon is close to his return, after a right calf injury, he pitched three innings in a Triple-A rehab. Health is the most important thing at the moment, as the Cubs’ rotation has struggled this season.Importance to the team: The Cubs failed to acquire a top-of-the-line starter before the trade deadline, so they need to strengthen their rotation internally. Assad performed well last year, and Taillon is a consistent pitcher who could complement the other starters.Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays
Estimated return date: Bieber, who underwent Tommy John surgery, is nearing his return. The right-handed pitcher made his fifth rehab start, striking out six batters in five innings. After another outing, the Blue Jays will assess whether Bieber can be the front-line starter they were hoping for.Importance to the team: The Blue Jays are hoping for the return of several offensive players, but Bieber is the key. If he returns close to his previous level, he could form a solid rotation with Kevin Gausman and José Berríos, but the return from Tommy John surgery can be complicated.Alec Bohm and Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies
Estimated return date: Bohm, after suffering a fractured rib, has been batting and taking batting practice, and will now begin a rehabilitation assignment. He could return to the team this month. Nola, who was on the injured list for the first time in eight years, is on track to return after a stress reaction in one of his ribs.Importance to the team: Bohm and Nola have been important to the Phillies’ success, so their health and performance will be crucial in October. The Phillies need Bohm’s production.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, is concerning given the problems he had in 2024.Importance to the team: The Rangers need more production from Burger and Carter to secure a playoff spot in a very open American League.Robert Gasser, Milwaukee Brewers
Estimated return date: Gasser is in the final stages of recovery from Tommy John surgery. His fourth rehab outing was on Sunday. The Brewers are preparing him as a starter, and he could join the team before the end of August. Jacob Misiorowski is also on the way.Importance to the team: The Brewers see Gasser as a long-term starter, but there might not be room in the 2025 rotation. In that case, he could be an impactful left-handed pitcher from the bullpen.Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds
Estimated return date: Greene is recovering from a right groin strain. After a third rehab outing, where he struck out seven batters, he is scheduled to increase his pitch count and could rejoin the rotation.Importance to the team: Greene has performed great since the beginning of last July. The Reds need Greene, along with Lodolo, to make a difference.Michael King, San Diego Padres
Estimated return date: King has been dealing with a thoracic nerve issue. After a rehab outing where he allowed six runs, he is expected to make his next start this weekend.Importance to the team: The Padres need King to join Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, and Nick Pivetta in the rotation to make the team one of the most complete in the league.Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, Los Angeles Dodgers
Estimated return date: Kopech, with a right knee injury, and Scott, with elbow inflammation, are throwing bullpen sessions. Yates, with lower back pain, does not have a defined timeframe for his return.Importance to the team: The Dodgers have suffered several injuries to their pitching staff. The team’s focus shows confidence in the returning arms, especially in the bullpen. Scott and Yates, their two big offseason signings, have combined for an ERA of 4.21. Kopech has participated in only eight games.Parker Meadows, Detroit Tigers
Estimated return date: Meadows, with problems in the musculocutaneous nerve and a strain in the right quadriceps, could return before the end of August.Importance to the team: The Tigers hope Meadows will be a better hitter than he showed earlier this season.Tylor Megill, New York Mets
Estimated return date: Megill, with a sprained right elbow, threw in a simulated game and could rejoin the Mets’ rotation later this month.Importance to the team: The Mets need Megill in their rotation, as his effectiveness has worsened since he was injured.Bryce Miller and Victor Robles, Seattle Mariners
Estimated return date: Miller, with inflammation in his right elbow, will make two more rehab starts before being activated. Robles could return before the end of August.Importance to the team: Robles is the leadoff hitter and the engine of the Mariners. Miller, along with the rest of the rotation, could make the team one of the most complete.
