MLB Injury Report — September 6, 2026
Sunday’s biggest injury question is in Los Angeles, where the Dodgers are deciding whether Shohei Ohtani can return to the lineup or needs an injured-list stint. Mike Trout avoided a serious hand injury, while Boston and Colorado made fresh IL moves before today’s games.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS — OHTANI DECISION LOOMING
Shohei Ohtani has missed three consecutive starts with soreness involving his left knee, right biceps and neck. He was expected to test his body in the batting cage, with the Dodgers using that session to help decide whether he can return or needs to be placed on the injured list.
BETTING IMPACT
This is easily the most important pending news on today’s slate. Ohtani has hit only .137 with one home run over his last 13 games, so the injuries appear to be affecting more than his availability.
The Dodgers do not play until 10:10 p.m. ET, meaning bettors should wait for the confirmed lineup before playing Ohtani props or evaluating the full strength of the Los Angeles offense.
Dalton Rushing is also dealing with renewed right-elbow soreness after recently returning from a partial UCL tear. He is undergoing imaging and has temporarily stopped throwing. Max Muncy was scratched Saturday because of an illness and remains another name to confirm when the lineup is released.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS — TROUT BACK AFTER HAND SCARE
Mike Trout left Saturday’s game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch, but X-rays were negative. Trout is back in today’s starting lineup and batting second against Pittsburgh.
BETTING IMPACT
This looked potentially serious when it happened, but the negative imaging and immediate return are reassuring. Trout may still have some soreness, but there is currently no reason to downgrade the Angels’ lineup because of the injury.
BOSTON RED SOX — RAFAELA PLACED ON INJURED LIST
Boston placed Ceddanne Rafaela on the 10-day injured list with a right quadriceps strain. He had already missed three games after leaving Wednesday’s contest with tightness and soreness.
BETTING IMPACT
Rafaela’s absence costs Boston athleticism, center-field defense and another right-handed bat. It is not a major standalone adjustment to the moneyline, but it weakens the bottom half of the lineup and reduces Boston’s overall defensive range.
The better news is that Garrett Crochet has resumed throwing from a mound. Willson Contreras has also restarted baseball activities and could return when eligible on September 10.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS — CAGLIANONE OUT
Jac Caglianone is not in today’s lineup after leaving Saturday’s game with left-elbow soreness.
BETTING IMPACT
Caglianone’s power is valuable in a game being played in 95-degree heat. His absence removes one of Kansas City’s best home-run threats from an otherwise favorable hitting environment.
There has been no announcement of an IL move, so he should be considered day-to-day until the Royals provide additional information.
COLORADO ROCKIES — CASTRO MOVES TO THE IL
Colorado placed Willi Castro on the 10-day injured list with left-heel inflammation. The move is retroactive to September 3.
Castro had been playing through plantar fasciitis and had not appeared since Monday. He has produced a career-high 15 home runs while starting at five different positions this season.
BETTING IMPACT
Castro’s value comes from both his bat and his ability to move around the field. Losing that flexibility matters for a thin Colorado roster. Vimael Machín was recalled and is starting today at third base against St. Louis.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS — DELAUTER REMAINS DAY-TO-DAY
Chase DeLauter is still dealing with a right-wrist sprain suffered during Friday’s doubleheader. He was held out Saturday and is not in today’s starting lineup.
BETTING IMPACT
Wrist injuries are especially concerning for hitters because they can affect bat speed and power even after a player returns. Cleveland should be evaluated without DeLauter until he demonstrates that the wrist is healthy.
NEW YORK YANKEES — JUDGE WORKING TOWARD A RETURN
Aaron Judge took batting practice on the field Friday and Saturday as he continues recovering from a right-rib stress fracture. The next step is facing live pitching Monday.
The Yankees hope he can return during their September 8–13 homestand.
BETTING IMPACT
Judge remains out today, and the Yankees are also without Trent Grisham, who was placed on the injured list with a right-hamstring issue. That leaves New York without two important sources of power and on-base production against San Diego.
The potential return date is encouraging, but Judge still needs to clear live pitching without a setback.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS — TAILLON BACK ON THE IL
Jameson Taillon returned from right-forearm tendinitis Friday but lasted only two innings before experiencing right-elbow discomfort. Toronto placed him back on the 15-day injured list Saturday.
BETTING IMPACT
A pitcher suffering a new elbow problem immediately after returning from a forearm injury is a legitimate concern. Toronto loses a rotation option during the playoff race, and the club will need additional innings from its bullpen and depth starters.
Shane Bieber is expected to resume mound work this week, but he is not an immediate replacement.
MINNESOTA TWINS — RYAN COULD RETURN QUICKLY
Joe Ryan completed a bullpen session Saturday while recovering from a mild left-glute strain. If he responds well, he could rejoin Minnesota’s rotation as soon as Monday.
BETTING IMPACT
This is encouraging rather than alarming. Ryan’s injury appears minor, and Minnesota may avoid losing another full turn through the rotation.
Byron Buxton remains sidelined with a right-hip impingement. He still hopes to return this season but will likely require surgery during the offseason.
SEATTLE MARINERS — MONTES STILL SIDELINED
Lazaro Montes remains out after injuring his left hip in a collision with the outfield wall Friday.
BETTING IMPACT
Seattle loses a left-handed power bat while Montes recovers. The injury is currently being treated as day-to-day, but his progress needs to be watched because it occurred on a high-impact collision rather than routine soreness.
SAN DIEGO PADRES — MUSGROVE RUNNING OUT OF TIME
Joe Musgrove has not recovered as expected following his last two rehabilitation starts. San Diego is now considering shorter starts or a bullpen role if he returns this season.
BETTING IMPACT
Musgrove’s chances of returning as a normal starting pitcher are fading. This is more important to San Diego’s postseason pitching plan than today’s game, but bettors should no longer assume he will rejoin the rotation at full strength.
BOTTOM LINE
Shohei Ohtani is the key lineup decision still pending. Mike Trout is back after avoiding a serious hand injury, while Jac Caglianone, Chase DeLauter and Lazaro Montes remain out of their respective lineups.
Boston lost Ceddanne Rafaela to the injured list, Colorado officially shut down Willi Castro, and Toronto’s rotation took another hit when Jameson Taillon experienced elbow discomfort immediately after returning.