The 2025 MLB season was a year of incredible highs, but for many of the league’s premier talents, it was defined by the frustration of the trainer’s room. As we turn the calendar to 2026, the focus shifts from rehab to redemption.
There are, of course, many injuries not on this list that were significant. A look at the World Series alone will show the huge impact of injuries to key players like Blake Snell for the Dodgers, who managed to put in some good postseason performances. And then perhaps more devastating Bo Bichette who never got healthy and could very well have tipped the balance for the Jays. Even George Springer could barely swing a bat in the Series.
And then others like Ivan Hernandez and Zach Wheeler, each with impacting injuries. But that’s not what this list is. We know those two will be back in form. This list is focusing on players we are questioning in terms of their impact given their respective injuries.
Never before have team trainers been at the forefront as they have in 2025. Medical advancements have ramped up recovery, and more natural treatments like massage, acupuncture, and CBD therapy like Joy Organics are certainly still relevant and as much a part of prevention.
2025 Major Pitching Injuries
The “Tommy John” epidemic and shoulder issues continued to claim some of the game’s biggest arms in 2025. These pitchers are now at various stages of recovery, aiming to anchor rotations once again.
Gerrit Cole (NYY): The Yankees’ ace faced a devastating right elbow ligament tear. After undergoing surgery and throwing bullpen sessions late in the 2025 season, Cole is eyeing a return to the Bronx around May or June 2026.
Corbin Burnes (ARI): A major blow to the Diamondbacks’ postseason aspirations occurred when the newly re-signed Burnes required Tommy John surgery. Fans in Arizona likely won’t see their ace back on the mound until at least July 2026.
Spencer Schwellenbach (ATL): The Braves’ young standout saw his breakout year halted by a fractured right elbow. He is expected to be a significant “mid-season addition” for Atlanta in 2026.
Justin Steele (CHC): After undergoing surgery to repair his flexor tendon and address UCL damage, Steele is expected to miss the beginning of the 2026 season, with a return targeted for the early summer.
2025 Major Hitters’ Injuries
It wasn’t just the pitchers who felt the sting of the injury bug. Several All-Star caliber hitters had their power sapped or seasons ended by structural injuries.
Anthony Volpe (NYY): Perhaps the most anticipated “bounce-back” of 2026, Volpe played through a labrum tear in his left shoulder for much of 2025. After October surgery, he is expected to return in May 2026 with his elite defensive range restored.
Austin Riley (ATL): A strained lower abdominal muscle sidelined the Braves’ cornerstone late in the year. Fortunately, Riley is considered probable for Opening Day, giving Atlanta’s powerhouse lineup its heartbeat back.
Triston Casas (BOS): A ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee was one of the most gruesome injuries of the year. Casas is already off crutches and has expressed confidence that he will be ready for the 2026 season opener.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (ARI): A torn ACL suffered late in the 2025 season means Gurriel will miss a significant portion of the first half of 2026, with a tentative return date set for June.
2025 Major Relief Pitcher Injuries
Bullpens across the league were stretched thin as elite closers and setup men went down. 2026 will see the return of some of the most feared arms in the late innings.
Félix Bautista (BAL): The “Mountain” underwent surgery for a torn labrum and rotator cuff in August 2025. While he is working toward a 2026 return, the complexity of shoulder surgery has his status for the upcoming season listed as questionable.
Yu Darvish (SDP): The veteran right-hander underwent UCL brace surgery (an alternative to traditional Tommy John) and is facing a 12–15 month recovery, making his 2026 availability a major storyline for San Diego.
Liam Hendriks (BOS): After battling hip inflammation that required surgery, Hendriks is looking to stabilize a Red Sox bullpen that missed his veteran presence during the 2025 stretch run.
2026 Return Timelines at a Glance
| Player | Team | Injury | Expected Return |
| Austin Riley | ATL | Abdominal Strain | Opening Day 2026 |
| Triston Casas | BOS | Patellar Tendon | Opening Day 2026 |
| Gerrit Cole | NYY | Elbow (UCL) | May/June 2026 |
| Anthony Volpe | NYY | Shoulder (Labrum) | May 2026 |
| Corbin Burnes | ARI | Elbow (Tommy John) | July 2026 |
| Lourdes Gurriel Jr. | ARI | Knee (ACL) | June 2026 |
