Five Veteran Pitchers Coming Back From Injury That Could Have a Big Impact on the 2020 MLB Season

SI's Tom Verducci shares five pitching vets that are due for a big 2020 season

SI senior writer Tom Verducci shares some of the pitchers returning from injury this coming season that could have a big impact in an abbreviated season. Some of the pitchers are with new teams but Verducci sees these five pitchers as integral parts of each of their respective teams' rotations.

Video Transcript:  

When I think about a shortened baseball season after a long layoff, I think about the potential impact of veteran pitchers coming off injuries. Here are five who could have a big impact on 2020. 

Let's start with Corey Kluber. The 34-year-old right-hander made only seven starts last year after suffering a broken arm and then an oblique injury. He's good to go with the Texas Rangers this year. 

Alex Wood, 29 years old, last year with Cincinnati, made just seven starts because of a back injury. Now with the LA Dodgers, he's only a couple of years removed from going 16-3 with a 2.72. 

Nathan Eovaldi, 30 years old, Boston Red Sox. Of course, he has a long injury history, and last year was no exception. Eovaldi underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow and never was completely right, never had the real good splitter. 

Matt Shoemaker, 33 years old, Toronto Blue Jays. Remember the start to his season last year? After five starts, he had a 1.72 ERA, and then he blew out his knee, his ACL, and was shut down for the year. 

And finally, Johnny Cueto, 34 years old, San Francisco Giants. He underwent Tommy John surgery back in September of 2018 and before spring training was shut down. He was looking good. Veteran pitchers could have a big impact on the 2020 season.