MLB Injury Report – The King is BACK!

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, August 8, 2025. In today’s report, Josh Naylor suffered an injury in yesterday’s game, which led to some concern in the world of fantasy. Also, Ronald Acuna Jr. looked great in a batting practice session, but what does that mean concerning his return? Finally, Michael King will be returning to the Padres this weekend, which is great news all around. Read about all of this and so much more in today’s MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.

MLB Injury Report

Josh Naylor – 1B Seattle Mariners

Josh Naylor left today’s game with shoulder soreness and is day to day, Dan Wilson just said.

— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) August 7, 2025

Naylor grimaced during an at-bat where he swung and missed on a pitch. He exited early, and there were worries about the extent of this injury. It turns out that he is likely out for a day or two before returning, though we should know more about this later today. If he comes to the ballpark feeling the effects of this swing, then there is a possibility that he could need at least ten days off before returning. His status will be one to monitor throughout the day. Stay tuned.

Ronald Acuna Jr. – OF Atlanta Braves

https://twitter.com/DOBrienATL/status/1953558097223688392

This is the most optimistic report we’ve heard regarding Acuna in quite some time, sparking speculation that he could return soon. He has yet to run much (if at all) and work on his sprinting and pivoting, but for now, he seems to be free of any lingering symptoms from that calf strain. Once that happens, it will be interesting to see if he needs a rehab assignment or not. As a side note, and this is purely subjective, but Acuna does have a lot of “DTD” injury breaks throughout his career. It feels like there are a lot of instances where, in the moment when he is injured, it feels like the worst case scenario, but the next day or two reveal that the injury wasn’t as bad as once believed. It’s not believed that this is one of those instances; however, it’s quite possible that he could be back sooner than expected.

Chris Sale – SP Atlanta Braves

https://twitter.com/DOBrienATL/status/1953552083979825500

Today will be a big day that could decide his future. If Sale feels good, he could begin his 30-day rehab window within the next week. However, if renewed soreness persists, then it’s quite possible that he doesn’t return until the end of September.

Nolan Arenado – 3B St. Louis Cardinals

Nolan Arenado’s path back to MLB and the #STLCards will take him through Jupiter, Fla., where the 10-time Gold Glover will work to strengthen his shoulder and regain his swing rhythm the next 10 days before likely rejoining the team in Miami on Aug. 18. https://t.co/lFAqeMEcIO

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) August 7, 2025

The plan for Arenado’s return seems to be in place, and if all goes well, he should be back in just ten days. Any setbacks could mean an extended absence. The team is currently in the Wild Card hunt, but if they fall out of the race, they will have no incentive to rush Arenado back, given their long-term investment in him.

Michael King – SP San Diego Padres

Michael King is scheduled to make his return from the injured list on Saturday against the Red Sox.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) August 7, 2025

Padres fans and fantasy players everywhere can rejoice, as the King will make his triumphant return this weekend. Be prepared.

Alek Manoah – SP Toronto Blue Jays

Alek Manoah's first AA rehab start is over:
3+ IP, 5H, 3BB, 2K

Got up to 64 pitches (36 strikes) #BlueJays

— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) August 7, 2025

The pitch count is encouraging, but the lack of command and control is a bit worrisome. Given where he is physically, what he’s recovering from, and the competitive state of the Blue Jays, we may have to wait until 2026 to see Manoah pitch for Toronto again, as a minor league demotion could be on tap if he can’t improve his performance in any future rehab starts.