The All-Star break isn’t all that long but it gives plenty of guys around the league enough time to heal the wears and tears of the first 90-some-odd games. Even All-Stars like Jordan Zimmerman, Freddie Freeman, and Jeff Locke opted to skip out of the game and use the break to recover from various ailments. Let’s take a look at who’s using the break to get some much needed rest and who’s set to return immediately following the layoff.
Freddie Freeman (thumb): Freeman had to bow out of the All-Star Game due to a thumb injury but hopes to play on Friday. He’s wearing a brace on his thumb so that might be an optimistic outlook so make sure to check his status before starting him this coming weekend.
Jason Heyward (hamstring): Heyward hasn’t played since last Thursday with a sore hammy but is expected to return to the lineup on Friday against the White Sox.
Justin Upton (calf): Upton sat out both weekend games against the Reds but is expected to return to the lineup on Friday.
B.J. Upton (hip): The older Upton has been placed on the 15-day DL and won’t be eligible to return until July 28. Evan Gattis figures to get some time in the outfield in his absence.
Clay Buchholz (neck): Buchholz felt soreness in his shoulder after a bullpen session last week and will not throw again until Thursday. If he can get through that without soreness, he’ll likely start a rehab assignment shortly after that and would play two or three games in the minors before returning.
Stephen Drew (hamstring): Drew is expected to be activated from the DL on Saturday when the Sox face the Yankees.
Jake Peavy (ribs): Peavy threw 90 pitches in a rehab game on Sunday and will likely return this weekend against the Braves.
Paul Konerko (back): There’s still no official return date set for Konerko but the first baseman will start a rehab assignment on Thursday and will likely return shortly after that.
Justin Verlander (quad): Verlander left his brilliant Sunday start with tightness in his leg but is not expected to miss any starts. Look for him to take the mound Saturday against Kansas City.
Tommy Hanson (forearm): Hanson threw a simulated game over the weekend and is expected to be activated on July 23.
Matt Kemp (shoulder): Kemp is expected to be activated from the DL on July 21 when he is eligible to come off.
Carl Crawford (back): Crawford hasn’t started a game since last Wednesday but is expected to be ready to start by Friday’s game against the Nationals.
Derek Jeter (quad): Jeter’s comeback lasted just one game as he left his 2013 debut with a sore quad. He will be reevaluated on Thursday or Friday to see if he’s ready to play.
Ben Revere (foot): Ben Revere has been placed on the DL and will need to undergo surgery on his foot. He is expected to be out of action for six-to-eight weeks.
Jeff Locke (back): Locke had to miss his Sunday start against the Mets and skip his first All-Star game with a sore back but is not expected to miss any more starts.
Kyle Blanks (ankle): Blanks has been placed on the DL with Achilles tendinitis and it’s unclear how long he will be out.
Matt Holliday (hamstring): Holliday hasn’t played since last Thursday and will be reevaluated later this week to see if his hammy has healed enough to play or at least avoid the DL.
Alex Cobb (head): Cobb has cleared all his concussion tests and appears ready to embark on a rehab stint to rebuild his arm strength. He should be back by the beginning of August.
Yu Darvish (back): Darvish is good to go and will return from the DL to face the Yankees on July 22 when he is first eligible.
Alexi Ogando (shoulder): Ogando is expected to make his third and final rehab start this week and will likely return on July 23 to face the Yanks.
Lance Berkman (hip): Berkman is optimistically expected to return on July 22 but his hip hasn’t so much healed as much as Lance is just willing to play through the pain.
Melky Cabrera (knee): Cabrera is progressing well in his rehab and is expected to be activated by Friday to face the Rays.
