Will Smith, Roman Anthony Among 5 MLB Stars Taking Key Rehab Steps This Week

There are just about five weeks left in the 2026 Major League Baseball regular season and there are a handful of guys across the league working their way back from injuries right now and trying to get back for the playoff push.

If the 2026 season were to end today, the Milwaukee Brewers would hold the No. 1 spot in the National League, but the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers are still in the mix, to say the least. If the 2026 season were to end today, the Tampa Bay Rays would land the No. 1 spot in the American League, but the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox aren't out of the mix.

We could see a lot of shifting down the stretch in the standings and big-name stars working their way back could play a big role. Here are five players who will be on rehab assignments throughout the week and could have a big impact down the stretch.

Roman Anthony — Boston Red Sox

May 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Roman Anthony (19( runs for second base after hitting a double against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Anthony entered the 2026 season with massive expectations, but he hasn't been able to play a game in the majors since May 4. His time is coming, though. Anthony has been on a minor league rehab assignment since last week. Anthony will play for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy shared that the club will evaluate Anthony on Thursday and determine whether or not he is ready to return to the majors.

Chad Tracy with several #RedSox injury updates ⬇️

• Roman, Story, and IKF will all play a rehab game tomorrow with the @WooSox
• Staff will check in with Trevor again after tomorrow, then Roman and Izzy on the off day on Thursday 👀
• Whitlock will throw live BP in Miami on… pic.twitter.com/W7qTGNsblZ
— NESN (@NESN) August 24, 2026

Trevor Story — Boston Red Sox

May 13, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Like Anthony, Story is approaching a return for the Red Sox. He has been on a minor league rehab assignment in Triple-A and the current expectation is that the Red Sox will evaluate him on Tuesday and determine whether or not he's ready to return.

Reynaldo Lopez —Atlanta Braves

Jul 26, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López (40) pitching in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Lexi Thompson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Lopez hasn't pitched in a game in the majors since Aug. 1. He has a 3.64 ERA in 24 appearances in the majors so far this season. He kicked off a minor league rehab assignment on Sunday and tossed four shutout innings.

Matt Shaw — Chicago Cubs

Jun 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Matt Shaw (6) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Shaw kicked off a minor league rehab assignment on Aug. 19 and has played in three games with Triple-A Iowa. He has gone 4-for-10 so far with one double and three RBIs.

Matt Shaw drives in a pair! pic.twitter.com/CVzWGGThNp
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) August 22, 2026

Will Smith — Los Angeles Dodgers

Jun 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Smith hasn't played in a game since June 6 but is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday, per The Athletic's Katie Woo.

"Will Smith will start a rehab assignment Tuesday with OKC. Dodgers still planning to have Smith back the first week of Sept. My speculation here, but this puts Smith in line to come back when rosters expand (Sept. 1)," Woo wrote.

The rich are about to get richer.

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