Philly Leader

As the new baseball season gets underway, several players are making notable returns after missing significant time due to injuries last year. While it's early, signs are positive as these athletes begin to regain their form.

Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins missed last season following Tommy John surgery in 2023. Although slowly building up his innings, his sinker is performing exceptionally, leading to a high groundball rate and strong non-fastball whiff rates.

Bo Bichette of the Blue Jays faced a challenging 2024 with multiple injuries. This season, he's reviving his leading hitter status with impressive performances, hitting consistently in the lineup and displaying a high expected batting average.

Jacob deGrom of the Rangers also returned from Tommy John surgery. At 36, he adjusted his pitching strategy to maintain health, throwing fewer fastballs but still using effective techniques to outmaneuver batters.

Hunter Harvey, acquired by the Royals last year, is now contributing significantly as a late-inning pitcher with solid stats, despite a back injury ending his previous season prematurely.

Jung Hoo Lee of the Giants, whose rookie season ended due to a labrum tear, is proving his worth with a strong hitting streak. His performance has given a boost to the team's start in the competitive NL West.

Jesús Luzardo, now with the Phillies, is showing potential as an ace after injuries and is delivering fast pitches effectively. His new pitching techniques proved successful in recent outings.

Dustin May of the Dodgers, back on the field after elbow and esophagus surgeries, is quickly showcasing his abilities, significantly contributing to the team’s rotation given recent changes in the lineup.

For the Rays, Drew Rasmussen resumed his role as a starting pitcher, building on his promising return last year. His pitching has been essential in the team's strategy and success this season.

Kodai Senga of the Mets, who had a brief and challenging 2024 due to injuries, is demonstrating his skill with a potent pitch mix that includes his notable ghost fork, proving to be effective early in the season.

Lastly, Mike Trout of the Angels returned to play after knee surgeries. Transitioning to right field to ensure health, he shows promise by hitting home runs, hinting at a potential resurgence.

As the season progresses, these players' developments will be crucial to watch.