MLB Week in Review: Wheeler Nears Season Debut as Injuries Mount Across the League

The MLB landscape continues to be shaped by injuries as teams navigate another week of setbacks and hopeful returns. Here is a breakdown of the most notable developments from around the league.

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler is on the verge of finally taking the mound for his first start of the season. After an extended buildup, the veteran starter has shown enough in his rehab work to merit consideration for activation. His return would provide a significant boost to a rotation that has struggled to find consistency in the early weeks of the campaign.

The Oakland Athletics are dealing with a substantial loss after designated hitter Brent Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain. Rooker exited Thursday is game against the Yankees in the first inning, grimacing after a swing that left him in clear discomfort. The team has not disclosed the severity, but it would be optimistic to expect him back before the end of the month. Carlos Cortes figures to see increased playing time in his absence, with the 25-year-old offering some batting average upside and unexpected power from the left side.

Shortstop Jeremy Peña finds himself on the shelf once again, this time with a Grade 1 hamstring strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list. The 28-year-old had already missed time this spring recovering from a fractured ring finger and has yet to play back-to-back games this season. Carlos Correa has shifted to shortstop with Isaac Paredes taking over at third base while Peña recovers.

Boston Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta left Sunday is start against the Rockies after just three scoreless innings with right elbow stiffness. The 33-year-old had been building momentum following a rough opening outing, surrendering two runs over his next 13 frames of work before the elbow issue surfaced. An update is expected by midweek, though anything involving the elbow always raises concerns about a potential extended absence.

The Baltimore Orioles are facing a compounded problem behind the plate and at first base. Catcher Adley Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list with ankle inflammation after an MRI confirmed no structural damage, which is at least encouraging news. However, Ryan Mountcastle is now dealing with a broken left toe sustained Saturday that will require a stay on the 60-day injured list. The Orioles acquired Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Reds this week, a player who flashed considerable power potential in 2023 before falling down the depth chart.

Milwaukee Brewers veteran Christian Yelich became the latest high-profile player to be sidelined, exiting Sunday is game against the Nationals with left hamstring tightness. Manager Pat Murphy suggested further bad news is likely forthcoming. The Brewers are already without Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn, both sidelined with fractured hands, leaving an already thin lineup even more depleted.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider, working back from an oblique strain, threw three innings against live hitters during a batting practice session on Saturday and reached 95 mph on the radar gun. That velocity aligns with his recent performance levels but remains below the 97 mph average he maintained at his peak. The next step is a rehab assignment that could begin later this week, with a potential return to the big league rotation in early May.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer suffered a fractured left big toe after fouling a ball off his foot. The news is at least partially positive, with manager John Schneider indicating Springer could miss only the minimum time and potentially return before month is end. The Blue Jays recalled Eloy Jiménez from Triple-A Buffalo to provide outfield depth.

Joe Boyle became the latest arm to land on the injured list, placed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow strain that prompted an MRI. Manager Kevin Cash noted the imaging came back clean and that the injury was caught early, but elbow issues always warrant caution. Meanwhile, Ryan Pepiot is working his way back from right hip inflammation and threw a bullpen session Sunday that could lead to a rehab assignment soon.

Tatsuya Imai landed on the 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue after failing to complete the first inning against the Mariners in Seattle. The Japanese rookie walked four batters and surrendered three runs before being pulled and returning to Houston for evaluation.