PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL
PITCHER INJURY REPORTS

The Yankees face a rotation crisis entering 2026, with multiple aces recovering from elbow surgeries. Cole, Rodón, Schmidt, and Hampton all underwent procedures in 2024-2025, creating significant depth concerns and Opening Day uncertainty.

Boston's rotation is projected as MLB's best by WAR (18.3) entering 2026, driven by relatively healthy arms and strong depth. Gray and Crochet anchor a group with fewer injury concerns than division rivals.

Baltimore's rotation features solid health at the top with Bradish and Rogers, but Baz and Eflin bring significant injury concerns. Depth pieces like Kremer provide insurance.

The Rays' rotation hinges on Shane McClanahan's return from a complicated Tommy John recovery. With multiple post-surgery arms (Rasmussen, McClanahan), Tampa faces durability concerns but has organizational depth to compensate.

Toronto's rotation features excellent durability with Cease and Gausman, but Shane Bieber's Tommy John recovery introduces significant uncertainty. The Blue Jays bet on Bieber returning to ace form in 2026.

Cleveland features one of the healthiest rotations in baseball, with all five projected starters showing minimal injury concerns. Williams and Bibee anchor a durable staff with excellent organizational pitching depth.

The Twins feature solid health with Ryan and López anchoring the rotation. Ober's injury history is the primary concern, while younger arms provide clean-slate depth.

Chicago's rotation is filled with uncertainty due to limited MLB track records. Kay's Tommy John history is the primary red flag, while most arms have clean but unproven health profiles.

Detroit's rotation features significant injury concerns with Skubal, Flaherty, and Mize all carrying red flags. Bassitt provides stability, but the Tigers lack reliable health across the staff.

Kansas City's rotation features solid health at the top with Ragans and Lugo, but Bubic and Wacha both carry significant injury histories. The Royals' depth will be tested if their injury-prone arms break down.

Houston's rotation was decimated by Tommy John surgeries in 2025, with six pitchers undergoing elbow procedures. Brown and Valdez anchor a depleted staff relying heavily on depth pieces and post-surgery returns.

Seattle features one of MLB's healthiest and most durable rotations. Gilbert and Woo anchor a staff with minimal injury concerns, giving the Mariners a significant competitive advantage.

Texas features a high-risk rotation led by deGrom and Eovaldi, both 36+ with extensive injury histories. Gore provides health stability, but the Rangers' rotation success hinges on aging veterans staying healthy.

The Angels' rotation features moderate health with Kikuchi and Soriano, but Rodriguez, Detmers, and especially Manoah all carry injury concerns. Depth pieces have checkered health records.

The Athletics' rotation in their first Sacramento season relies on young arms and depth pieces. JP Sears leads a staff featuring Mitch Spence, Joey Estes, and prospects competing for spots.

Atlanta's rotation is a minefield of injury concerns. Strider, López, Schwellenbach, and Holmes all suffered major elbow/shoulder injuries in 2024-2025. Sale's age and injury history add to the uncertainty. The Braves face one of baseball's highest injury-risk rotations.

The Mets' rotation features solid health at the top with McLean and Peralta, but Senga is a major injury wildcard. Holmes' conversion to starter and Manaea's shoulder history add uncertainty.

Philadelphia features excellent durability with Nola but major concerns with Wheeler's shoulder surgery. Luzardo and Walker both carry significant injury risk, creating rotation depth questions.

Washington's rotation is anchored by Gore's health (if he stays), but Gray and Herz both recovering from Tommy John surgery creates major uncertainty. The Nationals lack proven, healthy depth.

Miami's rotation is built around Alcantara's return from major surgery and young arms like Pérez. The team lacks proven depth and faces significant injury uncertainty.

Chicago employs a six-man rotation to manage injuries and workloads. Steele's elbow surgery is the biggest concern, while Taillon and Boyd both carry Tommy John histories. The Cubs' depth strategy aims to mitigate risk.

St. Louis' rotation is young and relatively healthy outside of Dustin May, who brings extreme injury risk. Liberatore and McGreevy anchor a staff emphasizing youth development.

Milwaukee lost Freddy Peralta's durability to trade and now relies heavily on Brandon Woodruff, who carries significant injury risk. The rotation is filled with young, relatively unproven arms.

Cincinnati features excellent health with Greene, Abbott, and Singer, but Lodolo's injury history creates rotation uncertainty. The Reds have strong prospect depth to cover injuries.

Pittsburgh features one of baseball's healthiest rotations with Skenes and Keller leading a staff with minimal injury concerns. The Pirates' emphasis on internal development has produced durable arms.

The Dodgers' rotation is plagued by injury concerns with Glasnow, Ohtani, and Snell all carrying significant red flags. Multiple pitchers are returning from Tommy John surgeries, creating a rotation that could easily unravel despite elite talent.

San Diego's rotation depends heavily on external additions and Musgrove's elbow health. Without Dylan Cease (traded to Toronto), the Padres face rotation depth questions.

San Francisco's rotation features excellent health with Webb but significant concerns everywhere else. Ray and Mahle both carry Tommy John histories, while Verlander's age is a major factor.

Arizona signed Corbin Burnes to a massive deal despite his Tommy John surgery, creating rotation uncertainty. Soroka's Achilles history and Rodriguez's IL record add significant injury risk.

Colorado's rotation features decent health with Freeland but lacks impact arms. The Rockies are seeking veteran additions to bolster a staff with limited proven durability.

The Yomiuri Giants feature a balanced rotation led by Shosei Togo's elite control and Taisei Ota's power arsenal. Tokyo's most successful franchise continues its tradition of developing durable arms with strong command.

The Hanshin Tigers boast one of NPB's deepest rotations, featuring three elite starters in Saiki, Murakami, and Ishii. Nishinomiya's Tigers combine power and durability across their staff.

Hiroshima's rotation emphasizes youth development and durability. The Carp's pitching philosophy prioritizes arm health and sustainable mechanics across their staff.

Yokohama features excellent durability led by Katsuki Azuma's elite left-handed arsenal. The BayStars' rotation emphasizes health and sustainability in their pitching development.

The Dragons are anchored by Hiroto Takahashi, NPB's 2024 ERA leader with a historic 1.38 mark. Nagoya's rotation features elite durability and command-oriented pitching.

The Yakult Swallows emphasize pitching development and arm health. Tokyo's other team features a rotation built on durability and consistent performance.

Orix features NPB's deepest rotation with elite arms Hiroya Miyagi, Shunpeita Yamashita, and Ryuhei Sotani. Osaka's Buffaloes combine power, durability, and depth better than any Pacific League rival.

The SoftBank Hawks feature a balanced rotation emphasizing durability and depth. Fukuoka's dynasty continues with a staff built for sustained excellence.

The Seibu Lions boast excellent rotation depth with three elite arms in Sumida, Taira, and Imai. Tokorozawa's Lions feature some of NPB's most durable starters.

Tohoku features excellent rotation durability led by Takahisa Hayakawa's elite left-handed command. Sendai's Eagles emphasize sustainable pitching and arm health.

Chiba's rotation features solid durability with Atsuki Taneichi leading a staff emphasizing consistent performance and arm health.

Hokkaido features excellent durability led by Hiromi Ito's elite command and WBC selection. Sapporo's Fighters emphasize pitching development and sustainable mechanics.