Five most impactful injuries heading into Opening Day

As Opening Day approaches, major league teams are looking to put the best roster possible on the diamond. However, injuries can wreak havoc on those plans. 140 players are currently listed as injured, with 34 players already on the 60-day injured list. Let's take a look at five injured players whose absences could make the biggest impact.

1. Spencer Schwellenbach, Atlanta Braves

Injuries decimated the Braves in 2025, playing a significant factor in their 76-86 record. Schwellenbach was in the midst of what was likely an All-Star-caliber season when he was lost for the year due to a fractured right elbow. He is back on the 60-day IL after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from the same elbow. The Braves are hopeful that he will pitch in 2026, but given the questionable durability of the rotation, losing Schwellenbach for an extended period of time is a devastating blow for a team looking to return to the postseason.

2. Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees

The Yankees rotation has already been decimated by injuries as Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt are all expected to begin the season in the IL. Cole, a perennial All-Star and Cy Young candidate, is expected to return before the All-Star break as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. As Max Fried is the only established starter in the Yankees' projected Opening Day rotation, they face an uphill battle in what should be a competitive AL East. Getting Cole back as soon as possible could make a difference as the Yankees attempt to return to the postseason.

3. Blake Snell, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers' impressive pitching depth will face an early test. Snell is slowly building up for the 2026 season as he stated his arm felt tired and exhausted, leading to delaying his throwing program during the offseason. While Snell has been impressive when he has been able to take the mound, he has eclipsed the 130-inning mark just twice in his career. Snell was a key part of the Dodgers' World Series run in 2025 and will be expected to help lead Los Angeles to the postseason this season — if he can stay on the mound.

4. Jordan Westburg, Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles will be without a key part of their lineup as they look to rebound in 2026. Infielder Jordan Westburg has a partially torn UCL in his right elbow and will be out until at least the end of April as he is attempting to treat the injury with a platelet-rich plasma injection and rest. In his absence, the Orioles will need to rely on the likes of Coby Mayo and Blaze Alexander at third, neither of whom have proved themselves at the major league level. The Orioles have actively traded for depth options at third base if they need to cobble the position together. Should his treatment plan not work, and Westburg requires surgery, he will leave a significant hole in the Orioles lineup.

5. Josh Hader, Houston Astros

The Astros held a 67-52 record heading into Aug. 12, leading the AL West by one game over the Mariners. Hader was placed on the IL on the 12th with a strained left shoulder. From that point, the Astros had a 20-23 record, falling out of the playoff picture entirely. Hader has been limited in spring training due to left bicep inflammation and will likely start the season on the IL. If he is sidelined for an extensive amount of time, he may return too late for the Astros to make a push to the postseason.