MLB Injury Report – Cubs Can’t Keep Closers

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, April 24, 2026. In today’s edition, the Mets have lost one of their key pieces for quite some time, the Yankees are keeping an eye on a returning ace, and the Cubs may need to go to Plan E on their closer spot. Read about all of this and so much more in today’s MB Injury Report from Fantrax.

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MLB Injury Report

Francisco Lindor – SS New York Mets

The Mets don't have a clear timetable yet on Francisco Lindor's calf injury, but they expect him to miss significant time. It's more serious than Juan Soto's was.

Ronny Mauricio is going to get a long run at shortstop to prove himself in Lindor's absence, per Carlos Mendoza.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 23, 2026

The designation to the Injured List was expected after Lindor was removed early from a game on Wednesday. It’s an unfortunate development for someone whose spring was already derailed because of a hamate bone injury. That being said, he will miss a significant amount of time here with a major calf injury. Another tough break for a team that’s struggling to do much of anything positive.

Roman Anthony – OF Boston Red Sox

Roman Anthony spoke following the game. He said he felt tightness in his upper back around the scap/neck area after his line drive in Tuesday's game, but that he's already feeling much better. Hopes to play tomorrow but will see how he feels in the morning.

— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) April 24, 2026

Anthony has missed two straight games because of what he has also described as spasms in his back. It’s a scary situation here, as Anthony is one of the key pieces for the future success of Boston, and someone that the team would like to build around. On the other hand, he’s struggled out of the gate and is also someone that they would like to give every opportunity to get his season going as well. Rushing back could cause long-term injuries, so chances are he will need to be at 100% health before returning to the lineup. This is definitely a situation to monitor.

Michael Harris III – OF Atlanta Braves

Michael Harris II expects to play tomorrow night pic.twitter.com/QLRF7zOUOW

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 23, 2026

Harris was removed from Atlanta’s game on Thursday with quad tightness after running to third base on a base hit. The move was seemingly precautionary, as he feels like he will be ready to play in today’s game. While the official word has yet to be spoken, it’s a positive piece of news nonetheless to note that he feels up to playing. It looks like he will avoid the Injured List and miss minimal time.

Kyle Teel – C Chicago White Sox

.@C1McKnight with the latest on Kyle Teel and when we might see him back with the big league club: pic.twitter.com/hC4ugTK70B

— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) April 19, 2026

Teel was slated to begin a rehab assignment this week, but his hamstring was apparently still “grabbing at him” when he tried to rehab. It’s unclear when he will start, and Teel himself said they’ll take it day-by-day here, but it is a disappointing development here for someone who was looking to start tapping into his true potential behind the plate.

Gerrit Cole – SP New York Yankees

Gerrit Cole's rehab start tonight:

4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HR 52 pitches, 42 strikes #Yankees

— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) April 23, 2026

The good news here is that Cole was able to go 41 innings of work, and did so on just 52 pitches. That’s not a lot of pitches for 18 outs, and, despite the four kits, he was rather efficient here. That being said, like anyone coming back from such a major injury, he will have some ups and downs as he learns how to pitch with his newfound arm. It’s always a challenge for pitchers in their first year back, and Cole will be no different.

Caleb Thielbar – RP Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have really leaned on 39 year old Caleb Thielbar this month and now he leaves the game with an apparent leg injury after throwing a pitch. They're down Phil Maton, Daniel Palencia and Hunter Harvey just since opening day. Pen is a mash unit right now.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 23, 2026

Normally, Caleb Thielbar would not require much fantasy analysis, but due to the injuries in the Cubs’ bullpen right now, this is huge. If he were to miss time, and it looks like he might, Chicago will be down four pitchers to close games for them, giving them very few options at the end of games. They may reluctantly be forced to go with Ben Brown now, though they appear hesitant to do so, as they like him in his current multi-inning role. Look for the Cubs to offer some insight in the coming days.

Robert Garcia – RP Texas Rangers

Rangers transactions for Thursday:

-LHP Robert Garcia placed on 15-day Injured List, retroactive to 4/20
-RHP Peyton Gray (#75) contract selected from Round Rock (AAA)
-C Willie MacIver designated for assignment

— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) April 23, 2026

Garcia had not pitched for quite a while because of his shoulder, and days after the report, he heads to the Injured List for some time off. It’s unclear the severity of the situation here, but the Rangers have plenty of other options there for saves. Perhaps Jake Junis is the guy now? Hard to say, since so many players have been given a chance. That said, with one less arm in the mix, there’s a chance that someone runs away with the job.