Pitcher Injuries: Impact and Recovery Ahead of 2026
Pitcher injuries have become a significant aspect of baseball seasons today. Each year, several pitchers face serious injuries that sideline them for long stretches. Take Tommy John surgery, for instance; the recovery time is typically between 12 and 18 months, which often leads to these athletes being overlooked as they rehabilitate.
Here’s a look at five pitchers who missed most, if not all, of the 2025 season but are expected to return early in the 2026 season. Each of these players has proven their capability to be vital parts of their rotation, though they were largely absent in 2025. Their presence in 2026 could certainly impact their teams.
Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees
Gerrit Cole stands out as the most prominent figure on this list. After earning the Cy Young Award in 2023, he faced considerable injury challenges. His 2024 season was restricted due to ongoing elbow issues, which ultimately led him to have Tommy John surgery in March 2025.
This surgery resulted in him missing the entire 2025 season, and the early months of 2026 will also be a loss for him. Reports suggest he could make a comeback by late May or early June. It’ll be fascinating to see if Cole can reclaim his former prowess at the age of 35, especially after such a serious setback.
Historically, Cole has thrived with his fastball and power slider, often overwhelming opposing batters. However, due to his age and the nature of his injuries, adjustments may be necessary upon his return. It’s worth noting that great pitchers tend to find ways to remain effective; many hold out hope that Cole can recapture his status as an ace again.
Cole’s situation sparks optimism, particularly with the example of his former teammate Justin Verlander, who faced a similar surgery in 2020. Verlander was older than Cole during his procedure but managed to bounce back spectacularly, even winning another Cy Young Award at 39 years old.
The Yankees are looking forward to Cole’s return, especially since he is under contract for three more seasons. I really hope he comes back strong because it makes the game more exciting when he’s on top.
Jared Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates
Jared Jones finds himself at a very different stage in his career compared to Cole. At just 24 years old, he is significantly younger. Like Cole, Jones missed the entire 2025 season due to elbow surgery, but he opted for internal fusion to expedite his recovery instead of the traditional Tommy John route.
Having surgery in May 2025, he is expected back within 12 months. Jones had shown signs of elite potential in 2024, so his return is highly anticipated. While he will consistently be compared to Paul Skeens, Jones has his own electric qualities as a pitcher.
During his rookie season, he experienced a few ups and downs, ending with an ERA slightly above 4. However, he struck out more than 26% of batters faced which suggests he has ace potential. His fastball averaged over 97 mph in 2024, and he’ll likely aim to keep that velocity post-injury. With the Pirates investing more in their offense, this could be a pivotal year for them.
Joe Musgrove, San Diego Padres
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Joe Musgrove at full health. The last time he tallied over 100 innings was in 2022. After battling injuries in 2023 and 2024, he had to undergo Tommy John surgery at the end of 2024.
The good news is he’s set to return to the Padres’ rotation to start the 2026 season. His comeback would greatly benefit the team, especially after losing Dylan Cease to free agency. Musgrove can potentially fill that gap immediately.
Musgrove has shown remarkable skills with varied pitch combinations, managing to keep hitters off balance with different breaking balls. He was one of the more underrated starters in baseball during the early 2020s.
The Padres are counting on Musgrove, especially since they owe him $40 million over the next two seasons. He’s signed for two years, and given the recent loss of Cease, his return is crucial. Uniquely, Musgrove is expected to be ready by Opening Day, unlike many others on this list.
Justin Steele, Chicago Cubs
Justin Steele had a breakout performance in 2022, establishing himself as a key pitcher for the Cubs. From 2022 to 2024, he maintained a solid 3.10 ERA, dazzling hitters with a distinct fastball that became one of the standout pitches in the league.
Unfortunately, 2025 wasn’t kind to him, as he only started four games before surgery. Like Jones, Steele opted for internal corrective surgery instead of Tommy John, which brings uncertainty about whether he can return to his previous form.
The Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera from the Marlins to bolster their rotation, but Steele’s return could really solidify their plans. Although he may miss Opening Day, he’s expected back during the first half of the season.
Reynaldo Lopez, Atlanta Braves
In 2024, Reynaldo Lopez was shining as one of the top starters. Initially debuting as a starter, he transitioned to the bullpen from 2021 to 2023, returning to the rotation after joining the Braves, where he became a reliable option.
During 2024, he pitched 135.2 innings achieving a 1.99 ERA. While some advanced metrics indicated a bit of luck in that number, an ERA below 2 is impressive by any standard. Lopez’s power fastball, complemented by a slider and curveball, made him compelling to watch.
However, after just one start in 2025, he had to undergo shoulder surgery, which can be quite concerning for a pitcher. Still, the outlook is positive for his return in 2026. If he performs as expected, he could be invaluable for the Braves as they work toward returning to the playoffs after a rocky 2025 season.
