Giancarlo Stanton - Yankees
Stanton says he continues to deal with elbow pain, “I can’t open a bottle,” Stanton said. “I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything. That’s the way it is.” He missed the first two-plus months of last season due to tennis elbow (epicondylitis) in both arms, an issue that has persisted since 2024.
Merrill Kelly - Diamondbacks
Kelly had at least one MRI, a CT scan, and other tests. The team is officially calling it an intercostal nerve irritation. He will not pitch Opening Day, and his return timeline is undetermined.
Tarik Skubal - Tigers
Skubal said he’ll make just one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. “I’m trying to do both — pitch for Team USA and get ready here with the Tigers,” Skubal said at spring training in Florida. “It’s the best of both worlds, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.” Skubal is likely to start one of the pool play games in Houston, Texas.
Gerrit Cole - Yankees
Cole faced hitters for the first team since undergoing Tommy John last spring. The Yankees expect Cole to return to Major League action in late May or in June. Cole said he anticipates a full recovery will take 14 to 18 months, describing the rehabilitation process as “long and tedious.”
Shohei Ohtani - Dodgers
Ohtani will serve only as a DH in the World Baseball Classic, but he remains on track to be part of the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation. However, manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will not be on a normal five-day rest schedule.
Pablo Lopez - Twins
Lopez underwent Tommy John surgery last week after multiple examinations showed a significant tear in his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Lopez will miss the entire 2026 season.
Joe Ryan - Twins
Ryan was scratched just 15 minutes before his scheduled start on Saturday because of back tightness. An MRI later showed inflammation but no structural damage. On Tuesday, Ryan was able to play catch at 90 feet. Ryan is expected to be the Twins' opening day starter.
Graham Pauley - Marlins
An MRI on Pauley's right arm did not show any UCL damage. He is not cleared for throwing or hitting, but could return for Opening Day.
Josh Hader - Astros
Hader is dealing with left biceps inflammation. Hader is restricted to light flat-ground throwing for now, and there’s no clear timeline for when he’ll be cleared to resume mound work.
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