Injured Orioles Stars Set for Comeback: Key Updates for Fans

Sarasota, Florida, USA - The Baltimore Orioles are currently navigating a challenging period marked by a number of players sidelined with injuries, adding an air of urgency to their season. As of July 21, 2025, several key players are either on the injured list or engaged in their rehabilitation process, resulting in an intricate roster scenario.

Among the prominent names, catcher Adley Rutschman is recovering from a left oblique strain, having landed on the injured list retroactive to June 20. Encouragingly, Rutschman participated in live batting practices in Sarasota on July 19 and 20 and is slated to commence his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on July 22, with hopes for a return by late July or early August MLB.com reports.

Somewhat less fortunate is pitcher Kyle Bradish, who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery. He’s scheduled for his first rehab start for High-A Aberdeen on July 24 after throwing two innings of live BP in Sarasota on July 19. His anticipated return is set for August, which should provide much-needed reinforcements to the pitching staff.

Injured and Returning Players

The medical news isn’t all gloomy, however. Other players in the recovery mix include Cade Povich, who is expected back by late July to early August after suffering from left hip inflammation. He recently made a rehab start for High-A Aberdeen and pitched for Triple-A Norfolk on July 19, with another start on the horizon.

Another catcher, Chadwick Tromp, is also eyeing a return by late July following lower back tightness. He has begun his rehab assignment with Single-A Delmarva, where his performances remain closely monitored; he went 1-for-3 on July 18 but struggled at the plate the next day.

Pitcher Zach Eflin is on the verge of returning as well. After recovering from a lower back strain, he made a rehab start for Double-A Chesapeake on July 13 and pitched successfully in the Florida Complex League on July 18, being cleared for action during the week of July 21.

Ongoing Recoveries and Roster Adjustments

Additionally, Ryan Mountcastle is due back soon after overcoming a right hamstring strain. He suffered a Grade 2 strain but has been taking at-bats in Sarasota on July 19 and is scheduled for rehab with Triple-A Norfolk on July 22, aiming for a return by July 30 or shortly after.

However, there are still significant concerns, particularly regarding the injuries to Gary Sánchez (right knee sprain, expected to miss 8-10 weeks) and Jorge Mateo (left hamstring strain, sidelined 8-12 weeks). Their absence could loom large for the team as they seek to maintain competitiveness through the second half of the season.

With the ongoing injury updates, it’s interesting to note the situation across the league as well. For instance, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets is dealing with a right hand contusion that kept him out of the lineup on July 20, while pitchers Max Kranick and Dedniel Nunez are eyeing Tommy John surgeries due to elbow issues ESPN highlights. On the flip side, the encouraging news of Starling Marte’s recovery from knee issues provides hope for both him and the Mets as they look ahead after the All-Star break.

The Orioles’ journey through this injury-prone season will be watched closely by fans eager for their stars to return and propel the team to success in the coming months. With each rehab assignment and recovery update, hope springs eternal as Baltimore looks to leave the injury woes behind.