2025 Injury Report: Updates on Alvarez, Clarke, Santander

After a few tough weeks on the injury front, the Astros received good news regarding two of their injured players. Yordan Alvarez has begun to make progress in his recovery, while Jeremy Pena is progressing. However, the Blue Jays will need to wait longer on Anthony Santander, who’s been out since May.

Alvarez beginning to progress

Houston fans received some good news today, as Yordan Alvarez was hitting soft toss in the batting cage on July 21. This is in addition to him hitting off a tee in recent days, and the slugger stated he’s been hitting at 60-65% intensity.

It’s positive news for Alvarez, who’s been shut down multiple times in his recovery from a hand fracture. Most recently, Alvarez stopped swinging in early July after renewed soreness.

Nonetheless, there is no timetable for his return.

Additionally, shortstop Jeremy Pena is close to taking live at-bats.

Santander weeks away from swinging

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said outfielder Anthony Santander, on the IL since May, is still weeks away from swinging a baseball bat.

Schneider said the team is hopeful he can get back on the field this season.

Clarke headed to IL

The Athletics will be placing Denzel Clarke on the injured list thanks to a right adductor strain. An MRI revealed a Grade 2 strain.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay stated Clarke will miss an extended period of time.

Other injury news

Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong did not play on the 21st thanks to a bruised right knee.

The Texas Rangers placed reliever Chris Martin on the 15-day IL with a left calf strain.

Dedniel Nunez, who is done for 2025 thanks to season-ending elbow surgery, was transferred to the 60-day IL on July 21.