The fantasy baseball landscape is rife with injury updates as the 2025 season progresses. Among notable starting pitchers, Blake Snell of the Los Angeles Dodgers is dealing with shoulder inflammation after a rocky start and has been shut down, casting doubt on a swift return. Meanwhile, Pablo Lopez of the Minnesota Twins has made a successful comeback from a hamstring strain and continues to impress on the mound, solidifying his position as a reliable SP2. George Kirby of the Seattle Mariners is progressing from shoulder inflammation, recently completing a live batting practice, hinting at an imminent return.

As the season unfolds, Snell's status remains tenuous while fantasy managers should keep an eye on Lopez's performance following his return. Kirby's potential return could bolster fantasy rotations significantly. Stashing these pitchers may prove crucial as their situations evolve throughout the season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant addition to their bullpen by signing closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. Scott, who previously pitched for the Miami Marlins, recently faced his former team and achieved a noteworthy milestone by striking out the 500th batter of his career.

In a post-game interview, Scott revealed that he was unaware of his achievement until informed by his wife. Interestingly, he did not request the baseball commemorating this milestone, reflecting his focus on future performance rather than past accomplishments. With a stellar 2.40 ERA in 2025, Scott is already proving to be a key asset for the Dodgers, contributing significantly to their pitching staff amidst recent injury challenges.

The Miami Marlins face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a high-stakes matchup at Dodger Stadium. Miami, at 12-17, is struggling, particularly after suffering a heavy defeat of 15-2 in the previous game against the Dodgers, who are riding a four-game winning streak at 20-10. Cal Quantrill is on the mound for the Marlins with a disappointing 7.83 ERA, while Tony Gonsolin returns from injury for the Dodgers. Notably, Shohei Ohtani showcased his prowess with a home run on the first pitch last night.

The odds reflect the Dodgers’ dominance, with a moneyline of -295 compared to the Marlins' +238. Betting trends favor the Dodgers, who have consistently surpassed the game total of 9 runs in their recent outings. With Gonsolin's injury history, his performance will be closely watched, especially against a faltering Marlins lineup struggling to find consistency.

As Major League Baseball enters May, the landscape is becoming increasingly clear, with the National League establishing dominance over the American League in several key metrics. The NL boasts a .507 winning percentage compared to the AL's .491, with a notable run differential advantage. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres are setting the pace, while power hitters, including Aaron Judge, spark curiosity about potential record-breaking seasons. The return of the stolen base is also noteworthy, as new rules inspire aggressive base-running strategies.

However, not all is rosy, as teams like the Colorado Rockies struggle to avoid a historic level of futility. The Rockies' performance raises questions about their future, contrasting sharply with the NL's competitive teams thriving on run production and pitching depth. Additionally, while the stolen base is reviving, overall offensive output remains stagnant, prompting discussions about the effectiveness of the league's new rules.

This week’s focus on starting pitchers reveals several intriguing trends among some rising stars in Major League Baseball. Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds appears to be finally living up to his potential, showcasing significant improvements with a 2.25 ERA and a notable increase in the use of his changeup. Matthew Liberatore from the St. Louis Cardinals has similarly made strides, utilizing a revised changeup and cutter to bolster his performance. Ben Casparius of the Los Angeles Dodgers could see an expanded role as a starter, leaning on a new cutter that has improved his effectiveness. Finally, Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates has altered his attack strategy, relying less on his slider and more on his curveball.