While there’s still a month left until the start of the 2026 MLB season, the clock is ticking for injured players to start their ramp-up, particularly pitchers. Blake Snell and Brandon Woodruff are two pitchers who are in danger of not being ready for the start of the season.

Moniak progressing

Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak was set to have a batting practice session on the 23rd, as he works his way back from oblique tightness (h/t MLB.com)

Moniak could make his Cactus League debut later this week.

On a related note, Rockies utilityman Tyler Freeman, working his way back from a back injury, worked out on the field.

Snell may not be ready for start of 2026

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted that Blake Snell may not be ready for the start of the season.

Snell is dealing with shoulder problems, which limited him last season. Roberts stated that Opening Day isn’t exactly a “hard” target, as he’s currently behind the other Dodgers pitchers in camp.

Woodruff questionable for Opening Day

Another notable pitcher may also be questionable for Opening Day 2026, and that’s Brandon Woodruff.

The right-hander threw 25 pitches against all lefties on February 23. Woodruff noted that he’s likely slightly behind the other pitchers, as he’s yet to pitch in an in-game setting. However, he noted that his availability for the start of the season is “up in the air” as he works towards a healthy season and being available at the end of the year.

He only threw 64.2 IP last season. Woodruff’s 2025 season was ended thanks to a lat strain, which didn’t derail his offseason work per se. However, the priority was for that lat to heal.

Woodruff, though, said that he’s in a “good spot” and that where he is now is very different compared to 2025.

Other injury notes

The Pirates’ training staff noted that the plan for Jared Jones is to be ready in late May, in line with the one-year mark in his recovery from an internal brace procedure. Jones did not pitch in 2025.

Marlins reliever Andrew Nardi threw a 15-pitch BP session on February 23 (h/t MLB.com)

Check out more of our MLB coverage.