Almost daily update on arms across the league, focused on recovery and performance in return from injury.

• Spencer Strider – RHP, Atlanta Braves
  Made his Spring Training debut on February 28, 2026, against Baltimore, pitching two innings and allowing two hits and one earned run with two strikeouts and no walks; threw 32 pitches, including 14 four‑seam fastballs. The fastball averaged 93 mph, below his 2025 average (95.5 mph) and 2023 peak (97.2 mph), but showed improved life with roughly 18 inches of induced vertical break, up from 16.4 inches in 2025 and nearing his 2023 level. Three fastballs were hit at exit velocities of 97 mph or higher, including a line‑drive double by Adley Rutschman. The outing marked his return from a second UCL injury, with observers noting improved “jump” and “giddy‑up” in the fastball; Strider acknowledged regaining peak velocity will take time, with the primary focus on strike throwing and feel, both of which were achieved.

---

• Aaron Nola – RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
  Made his first Spring Training appearance on February 27, 2026, against Miami, pitching two innings and allowing two hits and one earned run with two strikeouts; threw 31 pitches, generating six whiffs (40% whiff rate) and a 33% chase rate while throwing first‑pitch strikes to seven of eight batters faced. His fastball averaged 91.7 mph, slightly above his 2025 average (91.0 mph), while his knuckle curve averaged 77.9 mph; his other pitches showed velocity gains of roughly 0.5 mph or more, and the cutter displayed slightly improved movement. After a 2025 season limited by rib and ankle injuries, Nola reported feeling healthy following an offseason emphasis on fastball velocity that included long tossing, and he is scheduled to make another start on March 4 before joining Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic.

Pitchers with Extended Recovery Timelines

• Pablo López – RHP, Minnesota Twins
  López underwent an internal brace procedure on his right elbow on February 26, confirming that his 2026 season is effectively off the table. While the internal brace typically carries a shorter recovery window than full Tommy John surgery, the timing and severity point to a focus on being ready for Opening Day 2027, the final year of his current contract. This marks López’s second major elbow procedure, adding durability risk to an otherwise reliable track record. Minnesota will plan the rotation accordingly, with no expectation of meaningful innings this season.
• Bowden Francis – RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
  Francis underwent Tommy John surgery on February 12 following an acute elbow injury and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season. The timeline places his potential return sometime in mid‑2027, assuming a standard rehab progression. Toronto will treat his recovery conservatively, and any contribution before late next season would be considered a bonus rather than a plan.
• Gerrit Cole – RHP, New York Yankees
  Cole continues his rehab from a significant right elbow ligament tear suffered in 2025 and is targeting a return to game action around May or June of 2026. After undergoing surgery and beginning bullpen work late last year, the Yankees are expected to manage his early outings carefully, both in pitch count and workload. While he remains the long‑term ace, the focus will be on availability over volume early in the season.
• Corbin Burnes – RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
  Burnes is progressing through recovery after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2025 and is not expected to return until at least July 2026. When he does, Arizona will likely deploy him with strict workload limitations, prioritizing effectiveness down the stretch over innings accumulation. His eventual return would provide a major boost, but expectations should be tempered for immediate ace‑level volume.
• Spencer Schwellenbach – RHP, Atlanta Braves
  Schwellenbach is expected to miss at least the first two months of the season due to bone spurs in his right elbow, with a procedure anticipated. The Braves view him as a potential mid‑season addition, though durability remains a concern given the nature of elbow spur issues for pitchers. Atlanta will likely proceed cautiously, targeting impact innings later rather than an aggressive early return.
• Justin Steele – LHP, Chicago Cubs
  Steele is working back from 2025 surgery that addressed both flexor tendon damage and UCL concerns, with a return targeted for early summer. His recovery progression will dictate how quickly he can reclaim a rotation role, and early workloads are expected to be tightly controlled. Chicago will prioritize long‑term health, even if it means a gradual ramp‑up upon activation.
• Félix Bautista – RHP, Baltimore Orioles
  Bautista is rehabbing from complex shoulder surgery involving both a torn labrum and rotator cuff suffered in August 2025. While he is eligible to return from the 60‑day IL in late May, his 2026 availability remains uncertain given the unpredictable nature of shoulder recoveries. If he does return, Baltimore will monitor both velocity and usage closely, with no guarantee he immediately resumes a full‑time closing role.
• Yu Darvish – RHP, San Diego Padres
  Darvish is navigating a 12–15 month recovery following UCL brace surgery in 2025, placing his 2026 availability squarely in question. A return in the latter half of the season remains possible, but far from guaranteed. San Diego will evaluate progress cautiously, with any contribution viewed as supplemental rather than foundational.
• Brusdar Graterol – RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
  Graterol has been sidelined since the 2024 World Series due to a shoulder injury and will not be ready for the start of the 2026 season. The Dodgers are taking a deliberate approach, prioritizing a healthy return at some point during the year rather than rushing his timeline. If he returns, usage is likely to be carefully staged in lower‑leverage settings initially.
• Trevor Williams – RHP, Washington Nationals
  Williams underwent internal brace surgery for a partially torn UCL in July 2025 and is expected to miss at least the first half of the 2026 season. Washington will likely place him on the 60‑day IL to open the year, with a potential return later in the summer. Upon activation, a bullpen or swingman role may better suit his recovery profile.
• DJ Herz – LHP, Washington Nationals
  Herz is continuing his recovery from full Tommy John surgery performed in April 2025 and is also expected to miss the first half of the season. Like Williams, he is a strong candidate for the 60‑day IL to begin the year. If his rehab progresses smoothly, Herz could emerge as a meaningful second‑half rotation addition.
• Ricky Tiedemann – LHP, Toronto Blue Jays
  Tiedemann missed all of 2025 following Tommy John surgery in July 2024 and will be eased back into action in 2026. Toronto is expected to manage his workload aggressively, potentially deploying him out of the bullpen initially to limit innings while still capturing impact. His progression will be closely monitored, with flexibility in role depending on health and performance.
• River Ryan – RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
  Ryan continues his return from Tommy John surgery after missing all of 2025, with the Dodgers expected to take full advantage of their rotation depth to ease him back. Even at 27, he still carries mid‑rotation upside with a deep five‑pitch mix. A late‑season return in 2026 is the most realistic outcome, with role determined by health and organizational need.
• Daniel Espino – RHP, Cleveland Guardians
  Espino enters 2026 after finally returning to the mound late last season following multiple shoulder surgeries and a prolonged absence that spanned nearly three years. He logged limited innings in Triple‑A and the Arizona Fall League, marking the first tangible step forward. While his former elite ceiling may no longer be realistic, Cleveland will treat this season as a controlled reintroduction, carefully managing workload and focusing on durability above all else.