MLB Injury Update: Luis Arraez dealing with lingering thumb issues, Justin Verlander set for first rehab start and more

Going into the weekend, MLB teams are in a race against time to get their best players off the injured list and build them up for an exciting postseason ahead. With the second week of August coming to a close, some teams are dealing with new setbacks, while other teams are close to getting their players back.

The Houston Astros received a positive update on Justin Verlander's rehab while the San Diego Padres deals with another injury. Let's see injury updates that came on Friday:

#1 Luis Arraez reveals a thumb issue he is carrying

Two-time batting champion Luis Arraez revealed a lingering thumb injury that he has been carrying for several weeks. He said it was a torn ligament but his love for baseball is keeping his adrenaline high.

“I have a torn ligament, but that doesn’t stop me from playing,” Arraez said in Spanish after Friday's 6-2 victory. “You know the love I have for baseball and my job. It’s been difficult to play like this, especially hitting.”

Arraez injured his thumb on June 25 while sliding into third base. He sat out the following game and has subsequently started 28 out of 31 games, with 10 of those starts coming as a designated hitter.

During the All-Star week, he did check it out with a doctor, who said he could continue playing with the injury and dismissed it as an in-season injury. However, he could set up time in the postseason for the surgery to repair the ailment.

#2 Justin Verlander returns for rehab assignment after two months off

The Houston Astros ace is scheduled to throw on Saturday for the Space Cowboys at Constellation Field. Earlier on Thursday, Verlander told reporters that he will require two rehab starts to get back in the majors.

Verlander was sidelined for nearly two months after suffering neck stiffness following a game against the LA Angels on June 9.

In the last few days, Verlander has built himself for the rehab start after pitching simulated game on Sunday followed by a bullpen on Wednesday. The Astros will hope the rehab start goes as per plans as they would like their ace back so as to finish on the top of the AL West division over the Seattle Mariners.

Other injury updates

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Merrill Kelly, who was suffering from a shoulder issue, will likely start Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to manager Torey Lovullo.

Sam Hentges of the Cleveland Guardians has been pulled off his rehab assignment after dealing with soreness in his left shoulder.

Mike Trout, who is ruled out for the season, underwent his second surgery of the season to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee on Wednesday.