2025 Fantasy Baseball: Injury Updates
A.J. Puk, ARI
Puk's MRI results were concerning after a left elbow injury last week. He’s scheduled for further evaluations to determine next steps. Suspicions lean toward Tommy John surgery, making him a clear drop in all fantasy leagues.
Ketel Marte, ARI
Marte progressed to running during rehab this week and is nearing a rehab assignment. If his recovery stays on track, he could rejoin the Diamondbacks in 10-14 days.
Zack Gelof, OAK
Four weeks after his hamate bone surgery, Gelof has resumed infield practice. His next steps include batting practice and a rehab assignment, and he is projected to return to the Athletics by mid-May.
Ronald Acuña Jr., ATL
Ten days after ramping up baseball activities, Acuña’s progress is expected to be clarified by week’s end, potentially leading to a rehab assignment.
Spencer Strider, ATL
After one start, Strider hit the IL with a mild hamstring strain. The Braves aim for his return to the mound in early May.
Grayson Rodriguez, BAL
Rodriguez’s elbow issue, initially a triceps concern, was compounded by a right shoulder (lat) problem after bullpen sessions. Shut down for two weeks, his earliest return is projected for June, making him a drop in shallow fantasy leagues.
Zach Eflin, BAL
Seventeen days after his last start due to a lat injury, Eflin is expected to resume mound work this weekend. A rehab assignment could begin in about 10 days if all goes well.
Lucas Giolito, BOS
In his latest AAA outing (4/20), Giolito pitched five innings, allowing three runs, six hits, and one homer with four strikeouts on 65 pitches. One more rehab start should prepare him for a big-league return.
Ryan Pressly, CHC
Despite a strong April (no runs allowed, eight baserunners, four strikeouts in eight innings), Pressly’s right knee required draining after recent discomfort. He hasn’t pitched since April 20, and an IL stint is possible.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, CIN
An update regarding his lower back injury hasn't been provided, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Tyler Stephenson, CIN
Stephenson appeared in two AAA games, going 1-for-6 with one RBI. He needs to catch a full game before being activated from the IL.
Emmanuel Clase, CLE
After struggling in his first 11 outings, Clase developed a right shoulder issue following three consecutive games. The Guardians list him as day-to-day.
Lance McCullers Jr., HOU
McCullers’ next rehab start was rescheduled to Saturday after an illness-related scratch. He threw 33 pitches in a bullpen session on Tuesday.
Blake Snell, LAD
After two rough starts in 2025 (two runs, 10 hits, eight walks in nine innings), Snell has been sidelined for three weeks with a left shoulder injury. His second bullpen session was halted, leaving his return timeline uncertain.
Tony Gonsolin, LAD
Gonsolin threw 79 pitches over five innings in his latest AAA start, allowing two runs, six hits, and two homers with three strikeouts. The Dodgers expect him to join their rotation next week.
Brandon Woodruff, MIL
A rainout delayed Woodruff’s next AAA start by a day. In his first two minor-league outings, he allowed five runs and 15 baserunners with eight strikeouts over 7.2 innings.
Pablo Lopez, MIN
After a rehab start (one run, three hits, four strikeouts in 4.2 innings), Lopez (hamstring) is set to pitch for the Twins this weekend.
Royce Lewis, MIN
Lewis (hamstring) begins a rehab assignment this weekend. He could return to the Twins by early May if his recovery progresses.
Francisco Alvarez, NYM
Alvarez is slated to rejoin the Mets’ lineup on Friday. His bat has been quiet in the minors (7-for-39, four runs, one homer, three RBIs), including 0-for-7 in two AAA starts.
Brandon Marsh, PHI
Marsh (hamstring) started a rehab assignment on Thursday (4/24), positioning him for a return to the Phillies next week.
Spencer Horwitz, PIT
Cleared for on-field rehab work, Horwitz is expected to return to the Pirates in a few weeks.
Matt Brash, SEA
In four rehab outings, Brash allowed two runs, four hits, and one walk over 3.2 innings with four strikeouts. His sinker has consistently averaged above 97.0 mph.
George Kirby, SEA
Per GM Justin Hollander, Kirby’s recovery is progressing slower than anticipated, with a May or June return in view. He’s scheduled for batting practice this week.
Iván Herrera, STL
Herrera, sidelined since April 6 with a bone bruise, is nearing a rehab assignment, offering a boost to fantasy catcher options.
Shane McClanahan, TB
McClanahan begins his return this week with long toss, followed by bullpen sessions. The Rays are taking a cautious approach, targeting an early June return.
Josh Lowe, TB
Lowe resumed swinging a bat this week but hasn’t faced live pitching. The Rays hope to advance him to batting practice and a rehab assignment within the next week or so.
Jack Leiter, TEX
Following a strong rehab start (4.2 scoreless innings, one hit, one walk, four strikeouts), Leiter will join the Rangers’ rotation next week. He’s allowed one run over 14.2 innings this season.
Daulton Varsho, TOR
Varsho has struggled in the minors (2-for-18, two RBIs, and six strikeouts over five games). The Blue Jays may extend his rehab to help him regain form.
CJ Abrams, WAS
Abrams was activated Thursday after two AA rehab games (0-for-4, one RBI, two walks, one strikeout). He didn’t have a hit in four at-bats for the Nationals in his first game back in the starting lineup.