MLB Injury Report – Yordan Alvarez to Take a Big Step Forward

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Thursday, August 14, 2025. In today’s report, we learned that Yordan Alvarez will take live batting practice this weekend. Also, Josh Hader needs a second opinion, Austin Riley needs additional time, and Oneil Cruz needs a rest. Read about all of this and so much more in today’s MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.

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MLB Injury Report

Atlanta Braves – Team Update

Snit said he expects Acuña to be activated within the next couple days. Riley still felt some discomfort when he threw yesterday. So, it doesn’t seem likely he’ll be activated this week.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 13, 2025

A case of good news versus bad news here. On the one hand, Ronald Acuna Jr. is still on track to return very soon. Chances are, by the end of the weekend, he could be back in the Atlanta lineup. However, on the flip side of things, Austin Riley suffered what seems to be a setback on Tuesday, and as such, his return has been pushed back. Look for him to return next week, assuming all goes well with his build-up.

Yordan Alvarez – OF Houston Astros

Yordan Alvarez will take live BP this weekend in West Palm Beach

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 13, 2025

One day after it was announced that Alvarez might take live batting practice, it was confirmed that he will do that very thing this weekend. Great news for Alvarez here, as he takes another step forward.

Josh Hader – RP Houston Astros

Astros manager Joe Espada said Josh Hader is seeking a second opinion for his shoulder strain, but there’s no word on what the first opinion said.

“This is going to take a little bit longer than the two weeks,” he said.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 13, 2025

Second opinions are rarely a good thing, and this has the makings of a season-ending injury. While “more than two weeks” could mean anything, even at four weeks, he’s returning with two weeks left in the season. Fantasy players will need to find a new source for saves, and it unfortunately won’t be easy this time of year.

Oneil Cruz – OF Pittsburgh Pirates

We have placed OF Oneil Cruz on the seven-day concussion injured list, and recalled OF Ronny Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis.

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 13, 2025

Given how much he has struggled this season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Pirates give him a little extra time to get himself back to full health and allow him to work on some mechanics and timing issues, too.

George Springer – OF Toronto Blue Jays

John Schneider said George Springer has cleared MLB’s concussion protocol and barring the unforeseen will play with triple-A Buffalo tomorrow, likely as DH.

He may also get an additional game in the outfield after that, depending on his needs.

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 13, 2025

Fantastic news here, as Springer is going to be back in the lineup today, with the possibility of him needing time to practice in the outfield. It feels like he is close to a return, possibly by the weekend.

Matt Chapman – 3B San Francisco Giants

Matt Chapman is dealing with some soreness on his previously sprained hand. So he will get today and off day to recover a bit.

— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) August 13, 2025

Recurring issues such as these usually get taken care of in a more extensive way, so as to help eradicate the possibility of additional damage to an already injured body part. While there has not yet been talk about a trip to the Injured List, he may require time off, since this is persisting. Fantasy players would be wise to have a backup plan at third base, just in case.

Max Muncy – 3B Los Angeles Dodgers

Max Muncy felt soreness in his right side during his cage work today. That’s why he’s out of the lineup

Dave Roberts said he’ll get testing tomorrow. Considered day to day for now https://t.co/nr16prcDaH

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 13, 2025

This came out of the blue, resulting in Muncy’s absence from the starting lineup last night. We should know more today, but this doesn’t seem great from the get-go.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Team Update

Michael Kopech will start a rehab assignment with OKC tomorrow, Dave Roberts said. He will follow Roki Sasaki.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 13, 2025

Today is a big day for two Dodgers trying to return healthy in time for a playoff push and run. Both Roki Sasaki and Michael Kopech will begin a rehab assignment, and each will have various goals in mind. Assuming all goes well, Kopech should be back much sooner than Sasaki, who will be pitching at least every fifth day.

Paul Goldschmidt – 1B New York Yankees

Aaron Boone did not use Paul Goldschmidt off the bench tonight because he hurt his knee last night.

Could be an IL situation.

— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) August 14, 2025

Interesting development here that could clear up some of the playing time issues surrounding the Yankees. Of course, first and foremost, the health and well-being of Goldschmidt are the most important thing.

Texas Rangers – Team Update

Rangers transactions for Wednesday:

-OF Evan Carter activated from 10-day Injured List.
-OF Adolis García placed on 10-day Injured List (left ankle sprain).

— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) August 13, 2025

It is unclear when Adolis Garcia injured himself or even how severe the ailment is. What we do know is that he won’t be eligible to return for at least ten days, and he might need more time than that. AT least Evan Carter is back and will have a chance to salvage some semblance of success in 2025.