MLB Injury Report – Zack is Wheeling and Dealing

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Monday, March 30, 2026. In today’s edition, Zack Wheeler continues to defy the odds that are supposed to be stacked against him, Tanner Bibee continues to surprise any doubters about his health, and Andrew Vaughn is the latest victim of a broken hamate bone. You can read about all of this and so much more in today’s MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.

MLB Injury Report

Zack Wheeler – SP Philadelphia Phillies

This was an outstanding start, but the results that impressed the most had nothing to do with the number of base runners. Over three innings pitched, he allowed three base runners while striking out three batters. That’s impressive, but the best part was that his velocity was sitting around 92 miles per hour, putting him a few miles slower than his average last year. While that seems like a lot, it’s something that can be increased over time. He threw 38 pitches and looked good in the process. How his body responds to this will be key. He’s set to throw this Friday again. If his velocity doesn’t increase by much, maybe then sound some alarms. Until then, enjoy.

Tanner Bibee – SP Cleveland Guardians

Tanner Bibee tested his sore right shoulder with a 26-pitch bullpen session Saturday at T-Mobile Park. "I felt good," said Bibee. "They want to see how I bounce back tomorrow and we'll go from there." It's still questionable if he'll start vs. Dodgers on Tues.

— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) March 29, 2026

After a disastrous start last week, the worst was feared for Bibee, who was removed early with shoulder inflammation. Since then, he has been progressing in the right direction, with more and more news reports saying that he would be ready for his next scheduled start. It’s unclear if that is actually going to happen, but the fact that he hasn’t yet been placed on the Injured List is a good thing. Stay tuned.

Jacob deGrom – SP Texas Rangers

Jacob deGrom said his neck feels “much better” today. He played catch from 120 feet, which he couldn’t do yesterday.

He still feels it a bit, but he’s hopeful about being able to start in Baltimore this week.

— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) March 29, 2026

deGrom woke up with a cranky neck after not sleeping well. It’s unclear if he’ll make his next start, but this wouldn’t be the first time that a pitcher has missed time after a bad sleep. Still, it’s serious enough that the team is being extra cautious, given the age and frailty of the person involved. Today, he is scheduled to throw a bullpen, which will help determine the next steps.

Andrew Vaughn – 1B Milwaukee Brewers

Bad news on Andrew Vaughn: He fractured his left hamate on Opening Day and will need surgery. Expected recovery is 4-6 weeks.

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 28, 2026

The hamate bone strikes again. This time, it takes the bat away from Vaughn, who will miss up to six weeks of action. In the meantime, Jake Bauers should be the benefactor here. For all updates, one should look at the recoveries of Corbin Carroll, Francisco Lindor, and Jackson Holliday for all of their questions. Anything outside of that should signify setbacks.

Cincinnati Reds – Team Update

Terry Francona said that Stewart’s wrist checked out as sore. He’s good. Lodolo will throw a bullpen tomorrow and may pitch in a rehab game on Wednesday.

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 28, 2026

Big news here. First, Sal Stewart had been playing through wrist soreness that started after a ball hit him there on Opening Day. He had a good weekend at the plate, so the hope is that this is behind him soon enough. As for Nick Lodolo, if all goes well with the bullpen, that rehab game would likely be a one-off, given that he is only suffering through a blister. This could mean he might be back around next weekend.

Carlos Estevez – RP Kansas City Royals

Carlos Estévez is in a boot this morning and will have his ankle contusion reevaluated, but manager Matt Quatraro said he would be “surprised” if Estévez would be available today.

If he were, Quatraro said “we would not be averse to putting him in a lower-leverage situation.”

— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) March 29, 2026

Estevez did not get used in yesterday’s game, and it was Lucas Erceg getting the save with a relatively clean inning of work. The final statement is interesting, as Estevez’s velocity has been down all spring and to start the season. The timing of this ankle injury might actually work toward his benefit, giving him time to rest and reboot. He’s typically a slow starter with respect to velocity, but his last outing was awful.

Quinn Priester – SP Milwaukee Brewers

Quinn Priester update: Threw a pain-free bullpen session today and will have one more before heading to Arizona to face hitters. Everything is very encouraging so far, Pat Murphy said.

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 28, 2026

This is great news, but buyer beware: Priester had Thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during the offseason, making any recoveries contingent on a lot of things. If he is pushed too far, too quickly, he could regress in a major way. For now, let’s take this news with a grain of salt, but fantasy managers are warned not to rely too heavily on his return for their season’s success.

Josh Hader – RP Houston Astros

Josh Hader threw a bullpen today. Bennett Sousa's oblique strain was Grade 1 and he shouldn't miss much more than the required 15 days on the injured list. Enyel De Los Santos is making a rehab appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land tonight. Jake Meyers is sad about the Cornhuskers.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 27, 2026

Hader threw another bullpen over the weekend, but there have been no plans to advance his progression and turn it into a live bullpen. Once that happens, he will then proceed to a rehab assignment. However, with all of this ahead of him, it will likely be quite a while before a projected date of return is even established. Therefore, keep putting Bryan Abreu into your lineups with confidence.