2026 Injury Report: Updates on Alvarez, Luzardo, Culpepper

For the last month, Jesús Luzardo’s been the best pitcher in the Phillies’ rotation. But the club didn’t have Luzardo available against the Braves on September 12, less than a week after a complete-game shutout against Atlanta. Luckily, his absence shouldn’t be long.

Alvarez out again

The Astros were without Yordan Alvarez again on the 12th. It was the second straight game that he missed, both against the Rays.

Manager Joe Espada indicated that Alvarez, who’s dealing with an ankle injury, could return on the 13th.

Good news on Luzardo

The Phillies had to scratch Jesús Luzardo from his scheduled start against the Braves on the 12th. But shortly after that news, there was some positive news regarding the left-hander.

An MRI on his shoulder came back clean. There is no structural damage, and Luzardo indicated that he expects to pitch next week.

IL moves

Pirates 1B/OF Esmerlyn Valdez was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain.

The Cubs placed reliever Trent Thornton on the 15-day IL with a left ankle strain.

Shea Langeliers (Athletics), Nathan Eovaldi (Rangers), Josh Jung (Rangers), Edward Cabrera (Cubs), and Richard Lovelady (Nationals) were activated off the injured list.

The Nationals transferred Matt Waldron (chest inflammation) to the 60-day IL.

Tyler Locklear, who was recalled by the Diamondbacks, was subsequently moved to the 60-day IL with a fractured right thumb. That was done to clear a 40-man roster spot.

Rehab assignments

The Orioles had two relievers working with Triple-A Norfolk. Felix Bautista struck out one but allowed a home run over one inning of work. Ryan Helsley struck out one over a scoreless frame.

Helsley averaged and maxed out at 98 MPH. As for Bautista, he averaged 95 MPH and topped out at 96 MPH.

Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka went 1-for-2 with a strikeout and two walks for Triple-A Round Rock.

Willson Contreras went 0-for-3 with a strikeout for Double-A Portland.

Other notes

Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper was pulled on September 12 with a shoulder contusion. Culpepper was hit by a pitch against the Guardians.