How will injury impact these stars in AL, NL Wild Card Series?

The postseason is finally here, with the AL and NL Wild Card Series getting underway on Tuesday. But much still hangs in the balance as it pertains to who will take the field for the eight teams playing this week -- and just how effective they’ll be.

Several of MLB’s biggest names are either injured, with hopes of coming back for their team’s Wild Card Series, or had just returned from injury as the regular season waned.

Stars tend to shine the brightest in the postseason, so let’s dig into the latest on some of those players whose status is uncertain, at least to some degree.

Have already returned, but how will they look?

3B Alex Bregman, Cubs

Bregman suffered a freak injury on Sept. 20 when Cubs teammate Michael Busch fouled a pitch backward, hitting Bregman’s face while he stood in the on-deck circle. The Chicago third baseman is dealing with multiple facial fractures and noticeable swelling, but he allayed any concerns about his ability to see in Game 162: Bregman went 4-for-4 with two home runs in his second game back in the lineup. The only remaining question is whether he will play the field or remain as the DH this week.

LHP Jesús Luzardo, Phillies

Absent since Sept. 7 with inflammation in his left shoulder, Luzardo returned to the mound to pitch a clean eighth inning of relief in the Phillies’ playoff-clinching Game 162 win over the Rays. Luzardo -- who had an NL-best 1.80 ERA in the second half -- said Sunday that he’s “prepared to give the team whatever they ask” regarding his role. Luzardo threw only four pitches Sunday (all sinkers), but his stuff looked good, with his velocity and movement even a tick above his season averages.

Manager Don Mattingly said Luzardo will serve as an opener for Tuesday's Game 1 against the Braves.

2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees

Chisholm returned from a sprained right thumb last Tuesday and was immediately back at second base. He went 2-for-10 with two RBIs and two walks in three games. Amid a down year by his standards, Chisholm had been heating up in the second half with a .739 OPS.

OF Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox

Rafaela missed three weeks with a right quad strain before suffering a scare in his first game back on Wednesday. He left the game with what was later determined to be a hamstring cramp but was fortunately right back in the lineup Thursday. While Rafaela went 2-for-6 with a walk in three games last week, he most importantly returned to his post in center field and was making diving catches almost immediately.

RHP Robert Suarez, Braves

Suarez missed three months with right elbow discomfort, and his two appearances since coming back were a mixed bag. He completed one inning but allowed a run both in both games. His first time out, his velocity was on par with his season average, but he was down more than one full mph in his second appearance. Suarez indicated he had no concerns, but it certainly bears watching as the Braves host the Phillies.

RHP Jason Adam, Padres

Adam, like Suarez, returned for two appearances after missing about three months with a right shoulder strain. He completed two innings and allowed one run, issuing two walks. His stuff was around his season averages, and he generated three whiffs on his changeup. But Adam’s velocity was already down a tick this year compared to 2025. His role in San Diego’s super ‘pen will be one to keep an eye on.

Will they be back?

OF Aaron Judge, Yankees

This is the big one, literally and figuratively. Judge has missed a ton of time this season already, but the three-time MVP will, obviously, impact the New York lineup if he plays in any capacity. Judge has said he’s planning to play this week, but he’s going to need an expedited rehab from a right calf strain. Judge completed some indoor hitting and throwing Sunday, and he could participate in live batting practice Monday. He has not played since Sept. 16.

LHP Garrett Crochet, Red Sox

Out since late April with a left shoulder injury, Crochet has thrown live batting practice twice in the past week and will travel with the Red Sox to New York for the Wild Card Series, though the club has not yet announced whether he will be on the roster. The 2025 AL Cy Young runner-up will be held to a bullpen role if he does pitch.

2B Luis Arraez, Phillies

Arraez sustained a sprained left ankle during last Thursday’s game, and his MRI on the injury was “not a great one,” per manager Don Mattingly. Arraez was hypothetically available to pinch-hit in Game 162 on Sunday if needed, but he had not swung a bat since the injury. Mattingly said Monday that Arraez will NOT be on the Wild Card Series roster.

RHP Kevin Gausman, Cubs

Gausman has seen up-and-down results since his trade to the Cubs at the August Trade Deadline, but he was finishing up a gem last week when he made a diving play that caused him to leave with left shoulder soreness. Gausman completed a bullpen over the weekend with good results, and if he recovers well, he could start Game 1 vs. the Padres.