2026 Injury Report: Updates on Lodolo, Lux, Strider

Spencer Strider has been through it over the past two seasons, thanks to elbow surgery and decreased velocity. And unfortunately for the right-hander, he now has to contend with a different injury. Strider will miss the start of the upcoming year thanks to an oblique strain.

Strider out with oblique strain

Braves pitcher Spencer Strider will begin the 2026 season on the injured list thanks to an oblique strain, per manager Walt Weiss.

Strider was originally scheduled to start the Braves’ preseason game on March 23. That, obviously, did not happen, and the right-hander will miss some time again this season.

The injury also comes at a very tough time for the Braves. Joey Wentz, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrep are among the pitchers who he will join on the IL.

Lux to start 2026 on IL

Rays utilityman Gavin Lux will start the 2026 campaign on the IL thanks to a shoulder impingement.

Lux played in an exhibition game on March 22nd but didn’t feel right, per the team. Testing revealed the shoulder impingement.

Lodolo injured during 2026 tune-up

Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo was removed from his final spring start on March 22 in the first inning.

Per reports, it was due to a blister on his left index finger (h/t Fox 19)

Blister issues have been a problem for Lodolo in the past. The Reds’ left-hander missed time late last summer with a blister, which led to an IL stint. He also had a problem in June 2024.

Other news

Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated on the 22nd that Anthony Volpe could start a rehab assignment shortly after the start of April. However, he would need significant time to ramp up, as he missed all of Spring Training.

The Angels confirmed that Grayson Rodriguez will start the 2026 campaign on the injured list. Rodriguez has been dealing with a dead arm.

Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin was scheduled for an MRI on March 23 for an adductor injury (h/t MASN).

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler tossed two innings (29 pitches) during a simulated game on March 23 (h/t New York Times).