Six weeks remain in the regular season, and every IL stint carries season-ending implications in fantasy. The headline is Zack Wheeler’s blood clot in the shoulder, a wrench in the NL Cy Young conversation and a gut punch for that dream rotation. The Phillies haven’t set a timetable, but blood thinners and restframes make a return this year a high-stakes needle thread, with a postseason window feeling more plausible than a late-season push. The piece leans into the broader IL landscape, urging owners to stash potential difference-makers rather than chase only activation timelines.

Key targets cited include Yordan Alvarez’s rehab from a fractured hand, Chris Sale’s rehab arc from a fractured rib, and Jackson Chourio’s looming return from a hamstring issue. The column emphasizes prioritizing players whose timelines are hazy but could swing the balance once they’re back, and it frames IL stashing as a strategic bet on upside over guaranteed short-term gains.

The Kansas City Royals have placed outfielder Mark Canha on the 10-day injured list due to a left elbow injury. Canha, who is in his first season with the Royals, is struggling with a batting average of .212 and a .537 OPS over 46 games.

Manager Matt Quatraro indicated that Canha’s injury is likely not serious, explaining that it stems from epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow tendinitis. Canha had hoped to play through the discomfort, but after a couple of swings exacerbated the pain, he recognized he couldn't perform effectively.

In response to Canha’s situation, the Royals called up infielder Cam Devanney from Triple-A Omaha for his MLB debut. Devanney has shown promise, boasting a .272 batting average with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs in the minors. Manager Quatraro praised Devanney's versatility, noting he can fill various positions, making him a valuable addition to the roster during this challenging time.

Cole Ragans, a promising left-handed pitcher in his fourth MLB season, has made significant strides since joining the Kansas City Royals. Acquired from the Texas Rangers in June 2023, Ragans showcased his potential with a stellar first half, boasting a 2.64 ERA and 89 strikeouts over 71 innings before being selected as an All-Star and finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting.

However, his 2024 season took a hit due to a rotator cuff strain that placed him on the injured list. Following an MRI showing positive signs, he is set to resume throwing soon. The Royals, currently struggling and 5.5 games off the playoff pace, are counting on his recovery to reignite their postseason hopes.

Injury updates for key MLB pitchers Hunter Greene, Cole Ragans, and Nathan Eovaldi reveal varied timelines for their returns that are crucial for fantasy leagues. Greene, with a stellar 2.72 ERA, faces setbacks from a groin injury and is likely out until July after meeting with specialists. Ragans has a rotator cuff strain and could return in late July or August, but his replacement Noah Cameron is performing well with a 2.08 ERA. Eovaldi, however, appears set to return soon, potentially this week, after recovering from triceps fatigue, showcasing a 1.56 ERA when he was healthy.