On May 1, 2025, MLB players are primed for home run opportunities in an eleven-game slate. With warmer weather and favorable conditions at several ballparks, it's a golden chance for hitters to shine. Key players to target include Masyn Winn from the St. Louis Cardinals, who is riding a hot streak with two homers in a doubleheader, and Jose Ramirez from the Cleveland Guardians, who faces a favorable matchup against Simeon Woods-Richardson. Other hitters like Kyle Higashioka, James Wood, and Spencer Torkelson also present enticing home run props, making this a promising day for prop betting.

The St. Louis Cardinals secured a commanding 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of a day-night doubleheader, aided by a ninth-inning offensive explosion. The Cardinals' Masyn Winn opened the scoring with a solo home run off Cincinnati starter Brady Singer, who pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run. However, it was Reds' reliever Alexis Diaz who faced the brunt of the Cardinals' late-game firepower, giving up three consecutive home runs. Miles Mikolas pitched 5.1 innings for St. Louis, contributing to the Reds' struggles with only one hit and striking out four batters.

The game marked the end of Cincinnati's five-game winning streak as the Cardinals improved their record to 13-17 while the Reds fell to 16-14. Key performances included a stellar outing from Mikolas and impactful swings from Victor Scott II and Lars Nootbaar, who each homered in the top of the ninth. The Reds, despite a strong start from Singer, could not capitalize on their chances, with only one hit through the first eight innings. The loss prompted Reds manager Terry Francona to reflect on Diaz's performance, noting the critical moment when the game slipped away.

This week’s top fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for infielders feature recommendations across shallow, deeper, and the deepest leagues. Masyn Winn is a strong addition, returning from injury with a notable performance since his activation, including a .357 batting average and a stolen base. Maikel Garcia shows promise with a rising batting average and increasing run production. Nick Kurtz, Agustin Ramirez, and Gavin Lux also stand out as potential breakout candidates, each making a case for why they should be rostered after productive stretches.

For those in deeper leagues, Gavin Lux is riding a 10-game hitting streak, further solidified by a favorable home series. Noelvi Marte has turned it on recently, contributing with power and average. In the deepest leagues, Eric Wagaman has showcased a significant hitting streak with doubles and homers, while Brooks Lee’s versatility and recent form make him an attractive option for teams needing infield depth.

Grayson Rodriguez, the promising starter for the Baltimore Orioles, faces a daunting recovery as he seeks a second opinion on a shoulder injury that may sideline him for the 2025 season. This follows a frustrating series of elbow and triceps issues that already derailed his start to the year. With multiple injuries in his history, fantasy owners should be prepared for the possibility that Rodriguez may not return this season.

San Diego Padres' Jackson Merrill is also set for an extended absence due to a hamstring injury. The team emphasizes caution, aiming for a full recovery before reintroducing him to gameplay. Similarly, other players like Jake Cronenworth, Masyn Winn, and Max Scherzer are navigating their own injury challenges, with varying timelines for potential returns. Each of these developments adds a layer of complexity for fantasy managers trying to optimize their rosters amidst ongoing injury updates.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is heating up, and with it comes an opportunity to stash some key injured players who can be impactful upon their return. Players like Luis Gil from the New York Yankees, who posted a robust 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 2024, could be a great addition as he is expected back by late May. With Gerrit Cole sidelined, Gil's strikeout potential makes him a valuable stash.

Another exciting name is Eury Perez from the Miami Marlins, who showcased his talent with a 3.15 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 2023. After Tommy John surgery, he’s set to return in mid-to-late June, making him a worthwhile investment for patient fantasy managers. Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals is also projected to return soon, and his solid performance in 2024, with 11 stolen bases and 15 home runs, suggests he could provide immediate offensive support.

Jake Cronenworth, a versatile option for the San Diego Padres, is recovering from a rib fracture and is an intriguing pickup given his role in a strong lineup. Lastly, Connor Wong from the Boston Red Sox, despite a fractured finger, is expected to contribute significantly upon his return after a productive 2024 season. All these players present low roster percentages and can be great additions for teams with injured reserve spots.