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.

Injuries are proving critical in fantasy baseball, especially as Week 5 unfolds. Seattle Mariners' ace Logan Gilbert was sidelined after experiencing right forearm soreness, later diagnosed as a right elbow flexor strain. This could significantly impact his season, and fantasy managers should consider alternatives for their lineups. Meanwhile, George Kirby is inching closer to returning after a pain-free bullpen session, though he will need time to ramp up.

Jackson Merrill continues to recover for the Padres, but a return before the end of the homestand seems unlikely. In other news, Tyler O’Neill has been placed on the injured list due to neck discomfort, a situation that seems more precautionary than serious. The Twins face challenges with Byron Buxton as their primary option while the Rangers are activating Jack Leiter, who should be monitored closely. Keep an eye on these evolving injury scenarios to optimize your fantasy strategies.

Logan Gilbert, a standout pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, has been placed on the injured list due to a flexor strain in his elbow, following a Friday start against the Miami Marlins. The 27-year-old had a promising early season with a 2.37 ERA, positioning him as a vital asset in the Mariners' rotation. His absence, expected to be at least two weeks, could significantly impact the team's pitching depth as they currently navigate multiple injuries across the roster.

In response, the Mariners recalled prospect Logan Evans, a 23-year-old who has shown potential with a 3.86 ERA and a notable strikeout-to-walk ratio in Triple-A. The loss of Gilbert, alongside injuries to other key players, places additional pressure on the Mariners as they aim to maintain their competitive standing in the AL West.

Injuries are becoming a factor early in the 2025 MLB season, affecting key players and fantasy lineups. A.J. Puk of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation after a solid start with four saves. Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres suffered a concussion that will sideline him for at least a week. Meanwhile, George Kirby of the Seattle Mariners is recovering from shoulder inflammation, with a potential return in May after positive reports following his bullpen sessions. Fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on these developments as they navigate the waiver wire.