As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, injuries have sidelined key players including Yordan Alvarez, Kodai Senga, and Aaron Nola, creating significant concerns for fantasy baseball managers. Alvarez, who has been struggling with a hand injury, is currently without a set return date after sustaining a small fracture. Despite his slow start, he remains a potent force when healthy. Similarly, Senga, after a stellar start to the season, suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain, placing him on the IL for at least two weeks, but he could miss five weeks before rejoining the Mets. Meanwhile, Nola’s season is plagued by a sprained ankle and a stress reaction in his rib, leaving him with an uncertain return timeline that could extend through the All-Star break.

Chas McCormick of the Houston Astros has begun swinging a bat as he recovers from a left oblique strain. This step in his rehabilitation follows his placement on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 30. Manager Joe Espada confirmed that McCormick's first swings since the injury took place on Friday. Currently, McCormick has a .256 batting average, a .347 on-base percentage, and a .302 slugging percentage over 36 games this season.

On another injury front, Yordan Alvarez remains sidelined due to a right hand fracture, while teammate Zach Dezenzo is recovering from a left hand capsule sprain. Dezenzo was also placed on the 10-day IL on June 3 and is awaiting further evaluation after two weeks.

The Houston Astros are eyeing a resurgence in their offense, particularly from catcher Yainer Diaz, who has shown flashes of brilliance despite a rocky start this season. After a productive 2022, where he boasted a 121 OPS-plus, Diaz has struggled but recently began to find his form with multiple hits in recent games, including a three-hit performance against the White Sox.

Diaz's ability to adapt at the plate has been promising, and his recent numbers suggest he could become a crucial asset for the Astros as they await Yordan Alvarez's return from injury. Additionally, with players like Isaac Paredes and Jeremy Peña contributing significantly, Houston's lineup could strengthen if Diaz maintains this upward trajectory.

Isaac Paredes has proven to be a valuable addition for the Houston Astros after being traded from the Chicago Cubs. With a batting line of .254/.351/.468, he leads the team with 15 home runs and 42 RBIs in 67 games. However, he recently suffered a left hamstring injury after a sprint to first base, raising concerns about his availability. Manager Joe Espada indicated that the team would provide updates following evaluations.

In the trade, the Astros sent star outfielder Kyle Tucker along with pitcher Hayden Wesneski and outfielder Cam Smith to the Cubs. While Paredes has excelled, Wesneski has struggled with an elbow injury, and Smith has managed a modest .246/.322/.363 batting line. The Astros are navigating a transitional phase, having lost several key players, including Tucker and pitcher Justin Verlander, and are awaiting the return of another star, Yordan Alvarez, who is currently on the 10-day IL.

Next, the Astros will face off against the Minnesota Twins at home before heading on the road to meet the Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels.

Injuries are stacking up in the MLB, particularly affecting key fantasy players. Bryce Harper was placed on the IL with wrist inflammation, creating an opportunity for Otto Kemp to step up for the Philadelphia Phillies. Yordan Alvarez is dealing with a small fracture in his right hand, while Anthony Santander is sidelined with shoulder issues. Jordan Walker is expected to return soon from a wrist injury, but others like Ryan Mountcastle and Pablo Lopez face longer recoveries, with Mountcastle expected to miss 8-12 weeks due to a hamstring strain.

The situation highlights the importance of handcuffing players in fantasy leagues. With multiple players dealing with oblique strains, monitoring player health and having viable substitutes ready can significantly impact fantasy outcomes. The latest injury updates suggest that players like Dylan Crews, Austin Hays, and Shea Langeliers are also worth watching as they navigate their recoveries.