MLB Injury Report – Yordan Alvarez Imminent Return?

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Monday, July 13, 2025. In today’s edition, we learn that Yordan Alvarez is pain-free, Oneil Cruz may miss the Home Run Derby, Roki Sasaki has a tentative return date, and Edward Cabrera may not be as injured as we once believed. Read about this and so much more in today’s MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.

MLB Injury Report

Yordan Alvarez – OF Houston Astros

On @sportstalk790, GM Dana Brown said, Alvarez will be re-evaluated Thursday. “I think once that’s over, the doctor could potentially clear him to start swinging the bat. As long as Yordan feels good, we’re going to try to expedite his return.” Yordan has “absolutely no pain in…

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 13, 2025

This seemingly feels like positive news, though coming from any other team, it would be met with open arms. Instead, there is skepticism given that the source of this optimism is from a team that has botched every major injury for years. All that being said, if we’re to believe this statement at face value, it would appear that Alvarez is ready to take the next step in his progression, though he will need to get clearance from medical professionals later this week. Stay tuned, because it’s hard to know what to believe these days.

Jeremy Pena – SS Houston Astros

Dana Brown tells Astros radio that the Seattle series is probably too soon for Jeremy Peña’s return.

— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) July 13, 2025

There are rumors that his return could be soon after that series, so fantasy owners should be ready to activate him next week.

Oneil Cruz – OF Pittsburgh Pirates

Oneil Cruz is not in the starting lineup today after leaving yesterday with a hip flexor injury.

Don Kelly said they're still evaluating Cruz, but anticipate him being available. As for tomorrow's Home Run Derby, "I would hope that he would be able to still participate." https://t.co/fO61BTewot

— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) July 13, 2025

Cruz was a late scratch from yesterday’s game, and the timing of it suggests that his spot in the Home Run Derby could be in jeopardy. In fact, with his hip injury, there’s a significant chance that even if he does still participate in the derby, his performance will be hindered and/or obstructed. All that being said, it doesn’t appear that this will keep him out of the Pirates’ lineup for longer than he has. Stay tuned.

Max Fried – SP New York Yankees

Max Fried said it's still too soon to know if he'll pitch against the #Braves next weekend, but his blister is moving in the "right direction" and "getting better." #Yankees

— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 13, 2025

Fried sustained the blister late in his last start. It’s unclear if this will cost him time on the Injured List, but the fact that it’s improving is good news nonetheless. There should be updates later in the week.

Roki Sasaki – SP Los Angeles Dodgers

Roki Sasaki is back to throwing bullpen sessions, manager Dave Roberts said. His first one was two days ago, and he'll throw another tomorrow. Roberts thinks Sasaki could be back around late August.

— Sonja Chen (@SonjaMChen) July 13, 2025

Sasaki hasn’t pitched since the beginning of May, and two months later, he has begun throwing bullpen sessions. It’s been a long and grinding road for him to get to where he is right now. The most important thing to remember is that he is pain-free, and the only difficulty now is that he is uncomfortable when throwing. Essentially, it’s all about tolerance and learning how to adjust, though that can be a dangerous thing to do, hence the lengthy recovery process. Given that he isn’t expected back until the end of August, chances are he doesn’t begin a rehab assignment for another two weeks, at least.

Ha-Seong Kim – SS Tampa Bay Rays

Kevin Cash said X-rays on Ha-Seong Kim’s left foot were negative, which certainly is good news.

“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Cash said.

— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) July 13, 2025

As Cash said, how Kim feels in the coming days is key. It’s unclear if he will require time on the Injured List, but at least we know that with negative X-rays, there should be no fracture. Stay tuned.

CJ Abrams – SS Washington Nationals

CJ Abrams was scratched with minor right shoulder soreness, per an announcement in the press box.

And that might be the first time ever the Nats provided an in-game injury update. Sign of the times.

— Bobby Blanco (@Bobby_Blanco) July 13, 2025

Blanco later corrected himself, stating that the injury happened before the game, not during it. A minor technicality, but nonetheless, it doesn’t change the fact that Abrams will be heading into the All-Star Break with an ailing shoulder. Stay tuned throughout the week as we should get some updates. The hope is that having half of a week to heal is enough.

Edward Cabrera – SP Miami Marlins

MRI results on Marlins SP Edward Cabrera confirmed the team’s optimism that he could avoid an IL stint. All-Star Break gives him a few extra days next week.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) July 13, 2025

From the sounds of it, Cabrera has avoided a serious injury here, and he may not need time away to recover. The good news is that the All-Star Break has come at the right time, and both he and the Marlins can regroup for the next few days before making an important decision.

St. Louis Cardinals – Team Update

C/DH Iván Herrera has been activated from the 10-day IL.

OF Lars Nootbaar has been placed on the 10-day Injured List (left costochondral sprain). pic.twitter.com/0u5yVYbToO

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 13, 2025

The good news is that Ivan Herrera seems to be ready to take the reins behind the plate and as the team’s designated hitter. He will be a nice boost to their lineup, and he is someone who should help fantasy owners in the second half. As for Lars Nootbaar, for him, it’s always two steps forward, one step backward. He was having a nice season, but his story has always been his inability to stay healthy.