Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Trey Yesavage is off to an impressive start in his professional career, earning his first win by striking out eight batters in six scoreless innings against the Clearwater Threshers. Yesavage, drafted 20th overall last year, has quickly established himself as a top prospect, boasting a 2.31 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 23.1 innings this season.

Meanwhile, Blue Jays manager John Schneider provided updates on veteran Alek Manoah, who is working towards a return after Tommy John surgery, and three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, currently sidelined with an injury. Yesavage may have the chance to learn from these accomplished pitchers as they potentially rehab in Single-A, enhancing his development as he approaches the big leagues.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, keeping an eye on injured players who can be stashed on your roster is crucial. This week, five notable names are highlighted for potential waiver wire adds as they recover from injuries. First up is Max Scherzer, the veteran pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, currently rostered in only 6% of leagues. Expected to return by mid-May, Scherzer has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and carries strikeout potential, making him a worthy investment for those with an IL spot.

Next is Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is also worth stashing as he recovers from injury. With a 4.14 ERA and a strikeout rate above one per inning, Jones offers significant upside when he returns to the rotation in early July. Also on the list is Willi Castro, who has versatility across several positions for the Minnesota Twins and is expected back soon to bolster their struggling lineup. Additionally, David Fry from the Cleveland Guardians, while recovering from Tommy John surgery, brings a valuable bat to the mix, especially with catcher eligibility. Finally, Lane Thomas, another Guardian, offers a mix of power and speed and should contribute solid numbers once he’s back on the field.

The Toronto Blue Jays are again grappling with pitching depth issues as injuries to their starters mount. After offseason confidence in prospects like Jake Bloss and Easton Lucas, the team has turned to Eric Lauer out of necessity. Lucas performed well initially but struggled in his last outings replacing the injured Max Scherzer. The Blue Jays have used just eight starters in 2023, which raises questions about their depth, especially with injuries to key pitchers like Alek Manoah.

Despite a recent comeback victory against the Boston Red Sox, the pitching strategy remains precarious, hinging on the performance of relievers and the hope that Lauer can solidify a weak fifth spot in the rotation. The decision to part with Ryan Yarbrough, who has found success with the New York Yankees, looms large as the Jays now face the consequences of their roster decisions.

The Toronto Blue Jays are optimistic about the impending return of Max Scherzer, who has only made one start this season due to injuries. After signing a one-year, $15 million deal, he was expected to enhance the team's pitching depth. Unfortunately, a right thumb injury disrupted his mechanics during Spring Training, leading to a lat strain that forced his early exit in his first game.

Despite this setback, Scherzer recently threw 27 pitches off a mound, a positive sign according to manager John Schneider. With a career ERA of 3.16 and over 3,400 strikeouts, a healthy Scherzer could significantly bolster a rotation that currently stands at an 11th-ranked 3.73 ERA, keeping the Blue Jays competitive while their offense struggles to find its rhythm.

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.