MLB Injury Report: Swanson and Nelson Return as Aaron Judge Hits IL Again

September baseball is a war of attrition, and as the grueling 162-game marathon nears its conclusion, the health of a roster often dictates who plays in October. As October approaches, injuries and recoveries are poised to reshape the MLB postseason picture across the league.

For bubble teams fighting for a wild-card spot and division leaders trying to secure a first-round bye, getting a star player back off the injured list is the ultimate wild card. This week, the cavalry is finally arriving for several contenders, though others are dealing with devastating late-season setbacks that could alter their playoff trajectory.[3]

In Chicago, the Cubs received a massive and much-needed boost with the activation of veteran shortstop Dansby Swanson on Friday. Swanson had been sidelined for roughly a month due to a frustrating oblique strain, leaving a significant hole in the middle of the infield and the lineup.

Prior to the injury, the 32-year-old slick-fielding shortstop had been a steady contributor, belting 18 home runs and swiping 17 bags in 119 games. His return provides a critical veteran presence for manager Craig Counsell as the Cubs navigate the final week of the regular season.[1]

The Arizona Diamondbacks are similarly prioritizing pitching depth as their National League wild-card race reaches its final, frantic stages. On Wednesday, the club officially activated right-hander Ryne Nelson from the 60-day injured list, designating reliever Derek Law for assignment to make room on the active roster. Nelson has not pitched in the major leagues since June, but he recently touched 96 mph during a promising September 8 rehabilitation outing with the Triple-A Reno Aces, signaling that his arm strength has fully returned.[5]

Arizona does not necessarily need Nelson to suddenly become a frontline ace; they simply need him to provide meaningful, competitive innings to spare an overworked bullpen. With the postseason race tightening by the day, having another usable option in the starting rotation or in long relief could be the exact difference between surviving September and watching October baseball from home. The Diamondbacks are using every available piece to ensure their pitching staff holds up through the final weekend.[5]

In Boston, the Red Sox are closely monitoring the progress of All-Star center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who has been sidelined with a right quadriceps strain. Rafaela took a major step forward in his recovery this week by reporting to Polar Park in Worcester, where he completed rigorous outfield drills and took simulated at-bats off a TrakJet machine. The organization hopes he can return to the active roster with a handful of games remaining, allowing him to regain his timing at the plate before a potential high-stakes wild-card series.[2]

However, not all the news across the league is positive. The New York Yankees suffered a devastating blow to their lineup as three-time American League MVP Aaron Judge was placed back on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain.

Judge had just returned to the active roster last week from a broken rib that sidelined him for over three months, making this latest soft-tissue injury particularly frustrating for a team with deep postseason aspirations. The Yankees announced the roster move on Saturday, recalling utilityman Max Schuemann from Triple-A to take Judge's place.[6]

Yankees manager Aaron Boone could not guarantee that Judge would be able to return for the regular-season finale on September 27. "I don't know," Boone said. "I don't have a timeline on him. He's on the IL now. I'm not going to predict anything. He's getting treated and we'll see what transpires." The uncertainty surrounding their captain casts a long shadow over the Bronx, forcing the rest of the roster to step up in his absence during the most critical stretch of the year.[6]

Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are getting encouraging news regarding outfielder Anthony Santander. After being briefly shut down due to lower-back soreness, Santander was officially cleared to resume his rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday. He is scheduled to play five-to-seven innings in the outfield, with the medical staff's goal of having him play a full nine-inning game by Sunday. If all goes according to plan, Santander could make a dramatic return to the Blue Jays' lineup before the 2026 regular season officially concludes.[4]