Returning from Tommy John surgery isn’t always as smooth as anticipated. While players often regain their pre-injury form eventually, the initial recovery can be turbulent. Sandy Alcantara and Felix Bautista have faced significant struggles, while Shane McClanahan hasn’t returned to the mound yet. Emerging talents like Emmet Sheehan, however, showed promise in his recent debut, dominating with six strikeouts in just four innings against the Padres. His fastball velocity remained consistent, and he even showcased an improved changeup. Despite this encouraging performance, caution is advised as the Dodgers will monitor his workload. In deeper leagues, he might be worth a bench spot for his potential upside.

Additionally, players like Chase Burns and Nick Kurtz are making waves in the minors, suggesting they could be impactful additions to rosters soon. Jo Adell is also heating up, hitting his 12th home run since May. For now, seeking these emerging players is a smart strategy as the season progresses.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, several key players remain sidelined due to injuries, impacting fantasy lineups across the board. Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays, Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners, and Michael King of the San Diego Padres are all dealing with significant health issues. McClanahan, recovering from Tommy John surgery, has shown positive signs and is expected to make his debut later this summer, possibly by August. Gilbert, who has been on the injured list with a right elbow flexor strain, is nearing a return after successful rehab outings and could rejoin his team shortly. In contrast, King’s recovery from a right shoulder inflammation is less certain, with an early July return as the most optimistic scenario.

Injuries to star players like Yordan Alvarez and Hunter Greene also highlight the ongoing challenges teams face. Alvarez is out with a hand fracture, while Greene is back on the IL after a setback. As for McClanahan, his potential return could be a game-changer for fantasy managers as he boasts a solid career ERA of 3.02. Gilbert, having a strong season prior to injury, may also provide substantial value once activated. Conversely, King's situation remains fluid, making it essential for fantasy players to monitor updates closely.

The Tampa Bay Rays secured a narrow 3-2 victory against the Miami Marlins, highlighted by Yandy Díaz's two-run homer that tied the game. The eighth inning saw Díaz hit a crucial double, followed by a stolen base from Jose Caballero, allowing Brandon Lowe to score on a sacrifice fly. Despite the win, pitcher Drew Rasmussen's stellar six-inning effort, featuring no extra-base hits and only two runs, felt slightly disappointing as he narrowly missed breaking a franchise scoreless innings record.

The win concluded the season series against the Marlins at 3-3, marking the first time the Rays have not outright won the Citrus Series since 2018. The Rays now look ahead to a matchup against the Boston Red Sox.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Shane McClanahan are pivotal MLB players currently dealing with injuries, impacting fantasy rosters across the board. Acuña, after winning the NL MVP in 2023, faced a tough 2024 season due to a torn ACL, but is making strides toward a return, with a strong Triple-A performance suggesting he'll be back soon. Strider, who has shown tremendous strikeout potential, is back on the mound after a brief hamstring issue. Meanwhile, McClanahan's road to recovery from Tommy John surgery has been slower, and while he’s been cleared to throw, fantasy owners might need to be patient with his timeline.

As the 2025 MLB season heats up, fantasy managers are actively eyeing injured players who could make a significant impact once they return. High-profile names like Yordan Alvarez and Ronald Acuña Jr. are among the top injured players worth stashing. Alvarez of the Houston Astros, recovering from a hand injury, is projected to return shortly, making him a coveted asset for fantasy teams. Meanwhile, Acuña Jr. from the Atlanta Braves is expected back in late May, promising a solid boost to any roster.

Other notable stashes include Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is dealing with a groin injury, and Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers, recovering from a hamstring issue. Both players have shown the potential to be game-changers when fit. Keeping tabs on these injured stars could give savvy fantasy managers a competitive edge as the season progresses.