As the 2024 MLB regular season approaches its conclusion, several teams are preparing to reintegrate key players recovering from injuries, including Yordan Alvarez. These returns could provide crucial reinforcement for clubs aiming to strengthen their roster for the upcoming postseason.
Yordan Alvarez’s Progress with the Houston Astros
Yordan Alvarez has been sidelined since early May due to a hand injury, impacting his performance significantly this season with a batting average of .210, 18 RBIs, and three home runs. Despite experiencing a minor setback during his rehab in July, Alvarez is now expected to resume playing with the Astros’ Double-A affiliate, the Corpus Christi Hooks, signaling that his MLB return may be imminent.
Shane Bieber’s Return After Surgery
Shane Bieber, recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been out since April 2024 and recently shifted teams from the Cleveland Guardians to the Toronto Blue Jays during his rehab. Bieber threw seven scoreless innings at Triple-A Buffalo, demonstrating readiness to contribute in the Blue Jays’ upcoming series against the Miami Marlins.
Anthony Santander’s Expected Comeback in Toronto
Anthony Santander has been sidelined since May 29 with a shoulder subluxation, initially described as left shoulder inflammation. His first half of the season was underwhelming, with a .577 OPS over 50 games and six home runs. Current updates indicate Santander will soon return, providing an opportunity to improve his statistics before the season ends.
Roki Sasaki’s Rehabilitation Timeline with the Dodgers
Since May 9, Roki Sasaki has been absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation due to a right shoulder impingement. During his rehab at Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, Sasaki struggled in his first outing, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk while throwing 41 pitches over two innings against the Albuquerque Isotopes. The Dodgers plan to continue monitoring his progress closely.
Ryan Yarbrough’s Steps Toward Recovery with the Yankees
Ryan Yarbrough started his first rehab assignment last Thursday after being placed on the Injured List in late June with a right oblique strain. Pitching for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he surrendered a solo home run, allowed three hits, and struck out three batters, showing some effectiveness as he works back to full strength.
The return of these players, including the Astros’ Yordan Alvarez, could be pivotal as teams gear up for the postseason. Their individual recoveries and performances in rehab assignments will likely determine the timing and impact of their MLB comebacks, which could influence playoff rosters and strategies in the final weeks of the regular season.