Just over a month into the MLB season, several key pitchers are close to returning from the injured list. The reinforcements are nearing arrival, so let's dive into the latest updates on these pitchers as they work their way back to dominating the mound.

 

 

Walker Buehler

(SP - LAD)

 

Walker Buehler is gearing up for a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after an extended hiatus due to Tommy John surgery in August 2022. Buehler has made strides through his rehab starts and is slated for a fourth minor-league outing on Thursday, April 18.

 

His latest game was cut short to two innings after a comebacker struck his right hand. Despite this, Buehler's recovery is on track as he targets an 80-90 pitch count in his next appearance, potentially setting the stage for a return to the Dodgers' rotation next week. 

 

The team eagerly awaits his comeback, especially with Bobby Miller recently landing on the injured list. Buehler has accumulated 10 innings in rehab, allowing four earned runs and striking out eight, with his fastball velocity consistently in the mid-90s.

 

Justin Steele

(SP - CHC)

 

Justin Steele is making steady progress in his recovery from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain he suffered on Opening Day. Recently, Steele completed a 25-pitch bullpen session, his first time pitching since the injury, following a 75-pitch simulated game off flat ground.

 

Initially expected to miss all of April, Steele's recent activities suggest a possible early May return to the Chicago Cubs' rotation. His resurgence is highly anticipated, especially given his emergence as the club’s top starter, evidenced by a 2.73 ERA and 3.05 FIP since June 2022.

 

 

Jameson Taillon

(SP - CHC)

 

Speaking of Chicago pitchers, Jameson Taillon is poised to rejoin the Cubs' rotation after wrapping up a final rehab assignment. Having begun the season on the 15-day injured list due to calf and back issues, Taillon should make his season debut against the Miami Marlins in their upcoming series. Initial reports earlier in the week had Taillon slated to start in Arizona, but it appears Jordan Wicks will conclude the series against the D-backs.

 

In his last rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa, Taillon pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings on 68 pitches. He will likely be on a pitch count upon his return, although pitching five innings shouldn’t be out of the question.

 

This marks a pivotal return for Taillon, who will look to bounce back from a challenging 2023 marred by a mid-season groin injury.

 

John Means

(SP - BAL)

 

John Means is inching closer to a major league comeback following Tommy John surgery in 2022. The Baltimore Orioles are eyeing a late April or early May activation for Means, who has been rehabbing at Triple-A Norfolk. 

 

Although his rehab starts have been a mixed bag of results—10 runs allowed in seven innings—Means showed promise in his recent outing, capping the damage to two runs across three innings. His fastball velocity is slightly reduced from his pre-surgery levels but remains effective. 

 

The Orioles suggest Means may require one or two additional rehab starts to ensure he is game-ready. His return could significantly boost a Baltimore rotation that currently has right-handers Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells on the IL.

 

 

Gerrit Cole

(SP - NYY)

 

New York Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole is making headway in his recovery from an elbow injury sustained during Spring Training. Having been sidelined with nerve irritation and edema, Cole's rehab is progressing well, recently extending his throwing to 75 feet. 

 

The Yankees are optimistic about a late May or early June return for the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. Cole's return from the 60-day injured list will be highly anticipated for the Yankees, who have excelled in his absence, leading the AL East.

 

Justin Verlander

(SP - HOU)

 

Longtime veteran, Justin Verlander, is slated to make his season debut against the Washington Nationals on Friday, April 19. After missing Spring Training due to shoulder inflammation, Verlander completed his rehab with mixed results, allowing 11 earned runs over 7 innings in two minor league starts.

 

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada has confirmed Verlander's return without a strict pitch count but with a cautious approach. His comeback is vital for an Astros club currently occupying last place in the American League West, behind the Oakland Athletics.

 

 

Framber Valdez

(SP - HOU)

 

Astros' left-hander Framber Valdez is recovering from elbow inflammation that placed him on the 15-day injured list. Valdez is advancing well in his recovery, aiming to rejoin the rotation directly without a rehab start. Despite exiting a start against the Texas Rangers due to elbow soreness, no MRI was conducted, which indicates the injury might not be severe.

 

Valdez has been effective early this season, maintaining a 2.19 ERA over 12.1 innings with 10 strikeouts. The Astros are hopeful for his return before the Mexico City Series against the Colorado Rockies on April 27-28, aligning with the expected return of Justin Verlander to strengthen the rotation.

 

Max Scherzer

(SP - TEX)

 

Max Scherzer is ahead of his recovery schedule from back surgery performed in December 2023. Originally set for a late June or July return, the Texas Rangers' ace now targets early May. 

 

Scherzer's progress includes throwing 25 pitches in live batting practice, with plans to increase to 40 pitches soon. Manager Bruce Bochy and the Rangers are optimistic about an early return, potentially marking a significant boost for a rotation also missing Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle. Scherzer's impending rehab start next week could have big implications for his first major league start of the season.