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.

In the early weeks of the 2025 MLB season, injuries to key players have impacted fantasy baseball managers significantly. Notable names such as Jazz Chisholm Jr., Josh Lowe, and Shane McClanahan have faced setbacks, prompting urgent updates on their recovery statuses.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees is sidelined due to a right oblique strain that has landed him on the 10-day injured list. Initially, there was optimism surrounding his injury, but recent reports indicate he may miss 4-6 weeks. His absence opens opportunities for Jorbit Vivas and Oswald Peraza at second base.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Josh Lowe has been progressing in his recovery from a right oblique strain. After a minor setback, he is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham and could rejoin the major leagues as early as next week. Lowe’s previous season showcased solid five-category potential, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.

Shane McClanahan, the Rays’ ace, is recovering from a nerve-related triceps issue, with no clear timeline for his return. Monitoring his progress is crucial, particularly for teams needing a high-strikeout pitcher. As McClanahan works through rehab, Zack Littell is expected to step up in the rotation.