{"id":111467,"date":"2025-12-31T16:07:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T21:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=111467"},"modified":"2025-12-31T16:07:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T21:07:15","slug":"2026-mlb-season-players-returning-from-major-2025-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/12\/31\/2026-mlb-season-players-returning-from-major-2025-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 MLB Season: Players Returning From Major 2025 Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2025 MLB season was a year of incredible highs, but for many of the league\u2019s premier talents, it was defined by the frustration of the trainer\u2019s room. As we turn the calendar to 2026, the focus shifts from rehab to redemption.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>Joy Organics<\/span><\/a> are certainly still relevant and as much a part of prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n

2025 Major Pitching Injuries<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gerrit Cole (NYY):<\/b> The Yankees\u2019 ace faced a <\/span>devastating right elbow ligament tear<\/span><\/a>. After undergoing surgery and throwing bullpen sessions late in the 2025 season, Cole is eyeing a return to the Bronx around <\/span>May or June 2026<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Corbin Burnes (ARI):<\/b> A major blow to the Diamondbacks’ postseason aspirations occurred when the newly <\/span>re-signed Burnes<\/span><\/a> required Tommy John surgery. Fans in Arizona likely won’t see their ace back on the mound until at least <\/span>July 2026<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spencer Schwellenbach (ATL):<\/b> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Justin Steele (CHC):<\/b> After <\/span>undergoing surgery to repair his flexor tendon<\/span><\/a> and address UCL damage, Steele is expected to miss the beginning of the 2026 season, with a return targeted for the early summer.<\/span><\/p>\n

2025 Major Hitters\u2019 Injuries<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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