MLB Injuries: News & Updates on Yesavage, Berrios, Cole & More

DUNEDIN, Fla. – The Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching rotation continues to be beset by injuries as the team announced right-handed pitcher Trey Yesavage will begin the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement, joining José Berríos and Shane Bieber as key starters sidelined at the start of the year.

Manager John Schneider confirmed Thursday that Yesavage, who emerged as a breakout star in 2025 and was considered an early contender for the American League Rookie of the Year award, reported the shoulder issue to camp and has been on a slow build-up as a result. While Yesavage will continue to throw, he will not be ready for the start of the regular season. He is scheduled to pitch again on March 25.

“It’s something that he reported to camp with and it obviously led to his slow build-up, as well,” Schneider said. “Right now, he’s feeling good and he’s in a better place now to continue to ramp up. He’s going to continue on the program he’s been on.”

The injury to Yesavage further strains a Blue Jays pitching staff already dealing with significant setbacks. Berríos is dealing with a stress fracture in his right elbow, while Bieber is nursing a forearm issue. According to reports, the team is hoping Berríos, who is currently pain-free, will be able to resume throwing soon and pitch through the injury.

With Yesavage’s placement on the IL, Eric Lauer is expected to move into the starting rotation, having previously stepped in to provide stability for the team last season. Schneider acknowledged Lauer’s strong possibility of securing a rotation spot, stating, “He’s got a good chance. Just got to figure out exactly who is where.”

Across Major League Baseball, several other teams are grappling with injuries to key players. Julio Rodríguez is experiencing soreness in his pitching arm, potentially jeopardizing his availability for the start of the season. Suzuki of Team Japan has a minor PCL sprain in his right knee, and his status is being re-evaluated. Wheeler is progressing well after thoracic outlet decompression surgery, having thrown a two-inning live batting practice session on March 18.

Peña has resumed swinging a bat after suffering a right ring finger fracture, and the Astros have not ruled him out for Opening Day. Meanwhile, Kyle Stowers and Esteury Ruiz of the Marlins both exited a game on March 20 with a tight right hamstring and a left oblique strain, respectively, and are scheduled for testing. Hayden Birdsong and Harrison Bader of the Giants are as well dealing with injuries, with Bader experiencing left hamstring tightness but expected to be ready for Opening Night.

Rodgers recently underwent right shoulder labral revision surgery and is likely to miss the entire season. Crawford received a cortisone injection for right shoulder soreness, and his availability for Opening Day is uncertain. Walls will open the season on the IL due to a right oblique issue, and Moreno is expected to play in the D-backs final two exhibition games after experiencing right forearm tightness.

Priester is scheduled to throw a bullpen session as he continues to ramp up from neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, while Henderson is scheduled for a multi-inning appearance. Singer left a start with a right index finger blister but expects to make his next start on schedule.