MLB Injury Report – Big Arms on the Way Back

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, May 22, 2026. In today’s edition, the Red Sox are seemingly in a standstill with their two most important players, the Tigers may be on board with an accelerated return from Skubal, and the Pirates are close to being aggressive once more with a young player. You can read about all of this and so much more in today’s MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.

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MLB Injury Report

Tarik Skubal – SP Detroit Tigers

Tarik Skubal threw a 35-pitch bullpen session this morning. He said it was treated more like a "start" than a between-start bullpen. He increased the intensity and hit the velocity target he set at the end. No symptoms. He continues to be very enthusiastic about his progress.

— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) May 21, 2026

This is all very good news for Skubal and the Tigers, who continue to be encouraged by all of the progress here. The next few days will be key here, as any additional soreness could result in a slowdown. That said, he is a free agent this summer, and he wants to show that he is healthy enough to garner what might be the biggest contract for a pitcher ever signed. That, alongside the Tigers likely moving on from him, all point to both sides pushing for him to pitch as soon as possible. Whether or not an injury resurfaces or his on-field productivity is hindered remains to be seen.

Justin Verlander – SP Detroit Tigers

A.J. Hinch said Justin Verlander is "inching forward more than sprinting forward."

"No steps back is a good thing. Do we want him to take a quantum leap? Yes. Is he ready for competition? No."

Verlander will throw in Baltimore, do another live BP next week

— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) May 21, 2026

Just a reminder that this issue was initially believed to be a day-to-day situation, but now, here we are in the middle of May, and Verlander is nowhere near game-ready. With just one small appearance in the books this year, he may need an extensive rehab assignment if he can’t get himself going during these practice sessions.

Garrett Crochet – SP Boston Red Sox

Up and down innings are not a rehab assignment start, but they’re close to simulated experiences. The worrisome part of this entire report is the fact that he doesn’t want to waste innings on a rehab assignment. Does this mean that he knows he only has a certain amount of time to work this year? Or will he hide an injury and play through one so that he can return, possibly hindering his contribution on the field? Either way, this would have been a very positive report without that statement.

Roman Anthony – OF Boston Red Sox

For anyone wondering about the health of Roman Anthony, we are at a standstill until this medical evaluation is complete. Once that takes place, the team should reveal their plan for Anthony to get healthy and not have another setback. Stay tuned.

Ronald Acuna Jr. – OF Atlanta Braves

Ronald Acuña just told me that he expects to play tomorrow in Atlanta.

His left thumb was swollen after catching a fly ball that apparently hit him in a bad spot. https://t.co/p39t3BQOGm

— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) May 22, 2026

After leaving last night’s game early, there was some fear that the Braves’ superstar might have either re-tweaked an old injury or created a new one, causing time missed. From the sound of it, this is something minor that can be dealt with at his personal level of pain tolerance. It remains to be seen if he’ll return tonight, but the bigger news is that he will likely avoid the Injured List. It’s worth noting, though, that bone bruises aren’t always the quickest thing to disappear.

Robby Snelling – SP Miami Marlins

Marlins say Pitcher Robby Snelling will undergo Tommy John Surgery.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) May 21, 2026

This is, unfortunately, not a surprise, given the injury news that came out about his elbow soreness earlier in the week. He will undergo full Tommy John Surgery, which makes his timeline to return longer than if it were the internal brace procedure. That said, given that the Marlins are seemingly always in a rebuild, it might be advantageous to expect him back on the mound for them before the 2028 season.

Joe Mack – C Miami Marlins

Painful way for this one to start for Joe Mack, as he takes a foul ball from Acuña directly to his throwing hand.

He is staying in the game. pic.twitter.com/JCnkD44gM2

— Isaac Azout (@IsaacAzout) May 21, 2026

Not for nothing, but Agustin Ramirez has a .250 batting average with two home runs and four stolen bases since being demoted. Mack stayed in the game, but this could be one of those things where he feels worse the next day (today). Keep Ramirez in your back pocket, ready to pounce if this is an injury that requires time off.

Jared Jones – SP Pittsburgh Pirates

I’m told Jared Jones will make his next rehab start on Saturday for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Ben Cherington said Sunday Jones would make “at least one” more start. Saturday could be his last rehab outing, as he’d be eligible to come off the IL after that start.

— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) May 21, 2026

Jones has looked stellar during this rehab assignment, throwing the heat and getting strikeouts. He has at least one more start to go, but the belief is that his 2026 debut will happen shortly after that. Given that the Pirates have been much freer in their willingness to promote people, there seems to be a good chance of him starting for them sooner rather than later.

Trent Grisham – OF New York Yankees

Trent Grisham said imaging showed no structural damage. “It’s a relief.” He is hoping to be available off the bench tonight in an emergency.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 21, 2026

Great news here for the Yankees, as the worst-case scenario has been avoided. For a team that needs outfield health, they will welcome him back with open arms. That said, he did not come into last night’s game, which was mentioned as a possibility. Time will tell if he starts in today’s lineup.

Kodai Senga – SP New York Mets

Kodai Senga (lumbar spine inflammation) will begin a minor league rehab assignment tomorrow for Single-A St. Lucie. His 30-day clock begins.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 21, 2026

It’s no surprise that the Mets are starting Senga down at Single-A St. Lucie, given that his lumbar spine inflammation injury can require a lot of careful time and preparation to get fully back. At 33 years old, he is no spring chicken, and his injury history is growing by the year. The Mets could use some good news, but they should also be smart before bringing him back. Expect an extensive rehab assignment timeline.