Fantasy baseball managers are eagerly awaiting the returns of Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Josh Lowe in the 2025 MLB season. Ohtani, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is making significant strides in his recovery and is expected to pitch by the summer. His impressive stats from previous seasons make him a valuable stash in fantasy leagues. Acuña is also close to returning after recovering from a second torn ACL and could be back in early May, though his running may be limited post-injury. Josh Lowe is in a more challenging position, as he is recovering from a Grade 2 oblique strain and is projected to be out until June. As each player approaches their return, fantasy managers must weigh the risks and rewards of keeping them on their rosters.

The MLB season is off to a rocky start for several teams, with important injuries impacting fantasy rosters. Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals, Victor Robles of the Seattle Mariners, and Josh Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays are key players sidelined with injuries. Herrera’s knee injury is projected to keep him out until mid to late May after an impressive start. Robles is facing a lengthy recovery due to a dislocated shoulder, with a best-case scenario seeing him return by July if surgery isn't required. Lowe's oblique strain has him on the DL and likely out for all of April, but with promising signs of recovery.

As fantasy managers navigate these absences, it’s crucial to monitor the performance of the players filling in. Pedro Pages will likely take over catching duties for the Cardinals, while Julio Rodríguez and Dylan Moore are potential leadoff options for the Mariners in Robles' absence. While navigating these injuries can be challenging, staying informed on their statuses and backups is essential for maintaining competitive fantasy lineups.

Shane McClanahan, Spencer Strider, and Josh Lowe are all facing injury concerns early in the 2025 MLB season, impacting fantasy managers significantly. McClanahan, who missed the entire previous season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is currently on the 15-day injured list due to an inflamed nerve in his left triceps. Although he has begun to express improvements in his arm, no definitive return date has been established. Meanwhile, Strider is recovering from an elbow procedure he underwent last season, recently showcasing his elite strikeout potential during a rehab assignment. His return to the Braves rotation is expected within weeks, making him a must-start pitcher upon his return. Lastly, Lowe is sidelined with a right oblique strain and may miss several weeks due to his injury history. Despite these challenges, managers are urged to monitor their progress closely as they possess significant value in fantasy leagues.