Week 20 of the 2025 MLB season tightens the fantasy clock on IL stashes, spotlighting 25 players rostered in under 65% of leagues who could spark late-season bursts. Bryce Miller and Jac Caglianone anchor the list, with concrete returns in late August to September, plus five notable adds that could swing playoff rosters. A dedicated monitor segment flags Miller, Taillon, Caglianone and others as players whose rehab progress could vault rosters in redraft formats. The focus stays on tangible timelines and avoided undetermined returns to maximize late‑season upside.

Across Seattle, KC, STL, ARI, BAL, HOU and beyond, elbow, forearm, ankle, shoulder and oblique injuries are the talking points as rosters tighten. IL stashes are portrayed not as speculative gambles but practical assets for playoff pushes, with clear timelines guiding adds and drops. The piece leans into rehab progress, line‑up context and the back‑half slate, helping managers map out IL utilization and weekly moves to gain edge in fantasy playoffs.

Arizona Diamondbacks trio returns to the fold on rehab with Reno on Aug. 12 as Gabriel Moreno, Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas begin the path back from injury. Moreno (fractured right index finger), Smith (oblique strain) and Vargas (broken bone in right foot) have been active in Salt River Fields workouts and complex games, with Lovullo indicating a staggered return around the homestand that follows a brief road stint to Texas and Colorado. The plan centers on reintegrating key pieces without forcing a snap comeback.

Meanwhile, Arizona’s pitching slate leans into a familiar rotation, headlined by Brandon Pfaadt, Tanner Gordon and Ryne Nelson facing Rockies and Rangers opponents in the near term. The club’s Aug. 11-13 itinerary features Nelson vs. Nathan Eovaldi, DeSclafani vs. Jack Leiter, and Zac Gallen against Merrill Kelly, crafting a potential bridge to Moreno, Smith and Vargas rejoining the lineup. The development of Pfaadt’s cutter and the depth provided by the rehab returns could recalibrate the D-Backs’ offensive and defensive balance as they chase a steadying run in August.

The 2025 MLB season continues to see key players sidelined due to injuries, but savvy fantasy managers can benefit from stashing these players for a later return. Among the notable names are Shane Bieber, whose return is expected in August after elbow concerns, and Grayson Rodriguez, anticipated to rejoin the Orioles rotation shortly. Rhys Hoskins is worth keeping an eye on despite a UCL sprain, given his solid power metrics, while Kerry Carpenter, with 16 home runs this season, is projected back soon after the All-Star break. Lastly, Gabriel Moreno, a catcher with a promising start to the season, is nearing his recovery from a finger injury. Stashing these injured players could pay off as the playoffs approach.

The Arizona Diamondbacks face ongoing challenges in their playoff pursuit due to significant injuries affecting key players. Catcher Gabriel Moreno is sidelined with a fractured finger, and outfielder Corbin Carroll is recovering from a wrist injury that initially raised concerns about his absence. Remarkably, Carroll has shown rapid progress, recently participating in a minor league game just two weeks after sustaining a chip fracture in his wrist.

During a simulated game, Carroll exhibited impressive hitting, prompting manager Torey Lovullo to express surprise at his quick recovery. Despite missing Carroll's impact, the Diamondbacks remain close in the Wild Card race, currently 12.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Their recent struggles, marked by six losses in eight games, highlight the need for Carroll's return to bolster their offensive lineup.

As the fantasy baseball season progresses into the summer months, savvy managers are looking to stash injured players who can provide significant value upon their return. Top targets include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who is nearing a return after a successful rehab stint, and Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, who is also ramping up for his comeback. With both of these pitchers having shown impressive strikeout abilities last season, they could be pivotal assets down the stretch.

Outfielders like Joc Pederson of the Texas Rangers and Noelvi Marte from the Cincinnati Reds are also worth considering, as both are set to return shortly and have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in previous seasons. Lastly, Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks remains a compelling option behind the plate, particularly in an offense that benefits from his hitting prowess. Snagging these players now could pay off immensely during crucial weeks ahead.