Week 3 of the MLB season brings a flurry of injury updates for fantasy managers. The Atlanta Braves' star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is on the mend after a torn ACL. While he was initially expected to miss significant time following a slow start in spring training, he has now been cleared to ramp up activities, with a potential return in May. His impressive 2023 season makes him a must-start upon return.

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, who started the season strong, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Reports indicate he is slowly progressing but not yet cleared to run. He remains on the IL, leaving fantasy managers in a cautious holding pattern.

Cincinnati Reds' infielder Matt McLain has made a quicker return after a brief hiatus due to a hamstring strain. He has been activated from the injured list and is expected to anchor the Reds’ infield for the remainder of the season, providing solid fantasy value due to his power and speed.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, with save opportunities becoming a focal point early in the year. Currently, 50% of wins have resulted in saves, mirroring the previous year's statistics. However, teams like the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins are still in search of their first saves this late in the season, trailing behind the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, each boasting eight saves. A total of 122 saves have been recorded by 58 different pitchers, suggesting a diverse competition for closing roles across the league.

Notable pitchers like Luke Jackson and Emilio Pagan have emerged unexpectedly high on the saves leaderboard, while established closers like Jhoan Duran and Mike Clevinger have struggled to find their footing. The Game Leverage Index (gmLI) stats indicate potential closer candidates in Ryan Johnson and Nick Sandlin, while the performance of known names, such as Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase, raises questions about their future reliability. As the season progresses, the landscape of saves could shift dramatically, influencing fantasy strategies.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Ketel Marte, and CJ Abrams remain crucial fantasy assets as they recover from injuries. Acuña is progressing from a torn ACL, initially expected back by Opening Day but now targeting mid-May. His return is vital for the Atlanta Braves, who have struggled without him leading off.

Marte was hitting .346 before a hamstring injury sidelined him. He’s cleared for baseball activities, with a potential return late April or early May. Meanwhile, Abrams, who has been effective with four stolen bases early on, could also return shortly after being placed on the IL due to a hip flexor strain. Monitoring their status is essential for fantasy managers as their return could significantly impact overall team performance.