MLB Injury Update: Acuña Jr. and Others Rehab

Ronald Acuña Jr. took another step toward his return Monday, launching a minor‑league rehab stint in the Florida Complex League. He went 0‑for‑3 with a strikeout and could be back with the Braves when they host the Rangers on Friday, potentially making his season debut early next week. The 28‑year‑old has had a challenging year after missing time in May with a similar hamstring issue, now limited to 53 games and a .251/.373/.421 slash line.

Kyle Harrison downplayed his left‑elbow soreness, telling reporters he was “not too worried” after a rough outing that saw him last just four innings. Placed on the 15‑day injured list, the 24‑year‑old left‑hander hopes the All‑Star break provides enough rest to avoid missing more than a start or two. He’s been a bright spot through the first half, posting a 3.01 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 101 strikeouts over 83 ⅔ innings.

The A’s slugger, Nick Kurtz, is sidelined with a right‑thumb capsule strain that will keep him out through the All‑Star game and likely several weeks. The 23‑year‑old has been a steady performer, slashing .266/.405/.497 with 20 home runs, 61 runs and 66 RBI in 412 plate appearances. His thumb injury will limit his ability to contribute at the plate and on the bases for the remainder of the season.

Zack Gelof’s rehab has been a roller coaster this month. After a hand laceration forced a brief IL stint, he returned only to suffer a knee laceration while crashing into the outfield wall on Thursday. Placed on the 10‑day list, he could be eligible to return by Monday if the team follows the minimum‑stay protocol. The rookie infielder showed early promise in the minors before his setbacks.

Konnor Griffin’s season ended abruptly after a diving catch on July 5 left him with a torn tendon in his left ring finger. He’ll need about six weeks of limited activity plus another 2‑4 weeks before he can resume normal play, prompting a move to the 60‑day injured list. To fill the void, the White Sox sent Jacob González to shore up their infield depth. The 20‑year‑old had been hitting .276/.332/.404 with five homers and 20 steals in 59 games.

Blaze Alexander’s season could be sidelined into late August after a non‑displaced fracture in his left hand from a pitch‑hit on Sunday. The 27‑year‑old infielder has been a key contributor for Baltimore, posting a .312/.368/.439 line with four homers and nine steals in 246 plate appearances. The Orioles are expected to call up an infielder from Triple‑A Norfolk, creating opportunity for Coby Mayo and Jeremiah Jackson.

Nick Lodolo’s blister woes resurfaced Saturday when he left a start against the Cubs with a blister on his left index finger. The 2023 veteran has struggled with recurring blisters that have disrupted his season, now sitting on the 15‑day IL with no clear timeline. His ERA sits at 4.60 with a 1.47 WHIP and 50 strikeouts across 62 ⅔ innings.

Zac Gallen was scratched from his Sunday start after right‑elbow inflammation flared up, leading to a placement on the 15‑day injured list. The 30‑year‑old has been among the league’s worst qualified starters this year, posting a 6.34 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 98 innings. There’s no timetable for his return, adding another wrinkle to an already difficult campaign.

Gleyber Torres began a rehab assignment in the Rookie‑level Florida Complex League on Monday, going 1‑for‑3 with an RBI and playing five innings in the field. The Tigers’ shortstop could be activated shortly after the All‑Star break to join the lineup. Torres has been awaiting a return since landing on the 10‑day IL in mid‑June with a left‑oblique strain.