MLB Injury Report – Another Pirate Goes Overboard

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Wednesday, July 8, 2026. In today’s edition, the Pirates learned that they will play without their star for quite some time, the Braves are anticipating a return from their star, and the Cubs are looking for anyone to be a star. You can read about all of this and so much more in today’s MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.

More great Fantasy Baseball Analysis: Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire | Weekly SP Rankings | Pitching Streamers | Two-Start Pitchers | Lineup Analysis | MLB Injury Report | Rookie Report | Advanced Stats | Under the Radar | Overvalued & Undervalued | Bullpen Report

MLB Injury Report

Konnor Griffin – SS Pittsburgh Pirates

Konnor Griffin is going on the IL with an injury to his ring finger on his left hand, per Pirates Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk.

He’ll be splinted for six weeks. Estimated return in 8-10 weeks.

— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) July 7, 2026

The biggest news of the day came earlier in the afternoon, when it was revealed that Griffin had a torn tendon in his ring finger. As a result, he will be in a splint for more than a month before ramping up his activities. As such, he will miss most of the rest of the season, which might make him someone worth dropping in redraft leagues. Sure, he could return sooner, but there could be setbacks as well, and with this original timeline of him returning for the stretch run in September, replacing him with someone who will play might be the way to go. It’s something to ponder over the All-Star Break.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Team Update

Other Pirate injury notes:

Oneil Cruz is swinging a bat.

Spencer Horwitz has started a running program in Bradenton.

Wilber Dotel will pitch for Altoona.

Evan Sisk is dealing with a posterior left elbow. He is resting

— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) July 7, 2026

Good news here for the Pirates, as they desperately need an offensive spark after having lost the aforementioned Konnor Griffin. Both Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz are expected to start a rehab assignment just after the All-Star Break and then back with Pittsburgh before the calendar hits August.

Ranger Suarez – SP Boston Red Sox

Ranger Suarez feels “a little bit better,” but still feels discomfort in adductor area. Will throw a bullpen Thursday to see if he can make start Saturday in NY.

— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) July 7, 2026

The first hurdle of feeling good on Tuesday was cleared. That’s a step in the right direction. However, the bigger test will be when he tests out his discomfort on Thursday with a bullpen. The team does have the rest of their week planned out, with Saturday’s potential start being the only hole. If he cannot make that start, chances are the Red Sox call someone up to make the start. The Injured List should not be ruled out just yet.

Wyatt Langford – OF Texas Rangers

Wyatt Langford (hamstring) just ran at high intensity and is hoping to be back before the All-Star break. Only a few days ago, #Rangers said he would be out until after break.

— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) July 7, 2026

Phenomenal news for Langford and the Rangers, as it would appear that the young outfielder has progressed quickly. The hope is that they’re not pushing things too aggressively here, which would ultimately cause a more extensive and serious injury. While that’s just speculation right now, it’s not out of the question.

Hunter Goodman – C Colorado Rockies

#Rockies' All-Star catxhee Hunter Goodman says he jammed his wrist last night on the play at the plate — he was originally ruled safe but the call was overturned. He said he doesn't have a lot of information on the injury at this point. https://t.co/0sBMU1CjMo

— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) July 7, 2026

It took a while, but we finally got a reason for Goodman’s absence in last night’s game. It’s tough to get a good read on the situation, as neither he nor the team was able to offer any insight on the severity. Usually, with something like this, a comment of “not overly concerned” or “expected to miss time” is sprinkled in to give some context. Here, very little was given other than the identification of the injury itself. Hopefully the team offers more soon enough. Stay tuned.

Munetaka Murakami – 3B Chicago White Sox

Munetaka Murakami, in part of his postgame interview with @SmithKendall__ tonight, on his goals in Charlotte: "I don’t want to let down the team anymore. So I’ll really concentrate on how my body condition is doing and try to get back on the field as fast as possible."

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 8, 2026

Murakami finished with one hit in three at-bats, but did strike out twice. There’s been no indication that this would be a one-and-done sort of rehab assignment, so chances are that he will need to play in at least another game. However, with the All-Star Break lined up to begin after the next five White Sox games, we may see him back on the field for some “peace of mind” action this weekend.

Josh Jung – 3B Texas Rangers

Jung says his knee is much improved. Sounds like he could play on Wednesday provided he keeps moving in this direction https://t.co/NnNEgFayu3

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) July 7, 2026

The good news here is that it doesn’t appear that Jung is headed for the Injured List. While anything is possible, especially with someone who has an extensive injury history like Jung, for now, let’s consider him day-to-day.

Byron Buxton – OF Minnesota Twins

Byron Buxton (hip) is going on the injured list and the Twins are calling up Alan Roden from Triple-A St. Paul to replace him on the roster.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) July 7, 2026

This is somewhat surprising, though it’s fair to wonder if the timing of it so close to the All-Star Break has anything to do with it. A reminder that teams will get an extra four days off next week, and as such, those are not games missed. This means that teams can manipulate the Injured List and get “free” days off. Circling back to Buxton, this is a recurring injury, so there’s a chance that his time missed is extensive. That said, until we hear about the severity of the situation, it’s fair to assume it’s minor.

Jameson Taillon – SP Chicago Cubs

Plan is for Jameson Taillon to make another rehab start. He’s currently with Cubs here in Balt so if something happens where Cubs need starter before All-Star break Taillon would instead be available on limited basis, Counsell said.

Otherwise positioned to be back post A-S break

— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) July 7, 2026

This is a bit of a surprise, given how desolate the Cubs rotation is at this point. They have lost almost everyone who had any fantasy relevance, and as such, getting back someone like Taillon would be considered a bonus for them. It’s funny that they will only bring him back before the All-Star Break if yet another injury happens, and not for any other reason.

Atlanta Braves – Team Update

Weiss said Ronald Acuña Jr. could begin his rehab assignment next week. As for Robert Suarez, the Braves are taking it slow with him. He won’t be ready immediately after the break. But maybe a week or two later.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 7, 2026

This should be considered good news for Atlanta, as they look to have two important pieces for their success coming back just after the All-Star Break. First, with Ronald Acuna Jr., the team continues to take things slowly, as mentioned a while back. He has been progressing well with little to no pushback from his body. However, because this is his second trip to the Injured List, it makes sense to take precautions. Meanwhile, Robert Suarez has a lot of wear and tear on his arm throughout the years, and the team is doing it right here by taking their time too. That said, both should be back by the end of the month, with Acuna likely back right after the All-Star Break.

Baltimore Orioles – Team Update

Orioles relievers Ryan Helsley (right elbow discomfort) and Keegan Akin (left elbow discomfort) are each soliciting second opinions.

Akin will be evaluated by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas next week.

— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) July 7, 2026

Second opinions are rarely a good thing, and with Helsley in particular, this has the makings of the Orioles losing their closer for the rest of the season. For what it’s worth, Felix Bautista is pitching well and showing promise as he slowly progresses. That being said, he is nowhere near returning.