Heading into Week 2 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy managers should be on the lookout for injured players who can be valuable assets once they return. This week’s top stashes include notable names like Colton Cowser, Brandon Woodruff, and Clarke Schmidt. The key to a successful fantasy season often lies in identifying and acquiring potential returnees before your competitors do.

Colton Cowser from the Baltimore Orioles is recovering from a fractured thumb and is expected back by late May. Meanwhile, Brandon Woodruff, who was enjoying a strong season before shoulder surgery, could return by late April. The Atlanta Braves' Sean Murphy is also poised for an early return from a rib fracture, making him a high-upside pickup. Monitoring these players will be crucial for enhancing your roster.

As the MLB season unfolds, injuries are beginning to impact fantasy rosters significantly. Players like Gunnar Henderson, expected to return from the IL shortly, and Royce Lewis, facing a longer recovery, are key considerations for fantasy managers. The depth charts for teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins are affected by these injuries, necessitating close monitoring of replacements like Jackson Holliday and Willi Castro who are stepping in.

Catchers are also facing injury concerns, with Sean Murphy sidelined for weeks, allowing backups to showcase their potential. Pitcher injuries, particularly amongst starters such as Shane McClanahan and Yu Darvish, could reshape rotation strategies in fantasy leagues. Knowing the timelines for these players and their substitutes is crucial as teams strategize for optimal early-season performance.

The countdown to the 2025 MLB season has officially begun, and the anticipation is palpable. With Opening Day approaching, in-depth player rankings have been meticulously crafted based on various factors, including performance history, age, and trajectory. This year’s rankings consider not just 2024 performance but project player value for the upcoming season.

The methodology prioritizes a player's on-base skills and power, while for pitchers, run prevention and workload take precedence. Players like Sean Murphy and Oneil Cruz are spotlighted, alongside the likes of Mike Trout, who despite injury concerns, is expected to bring significant batting prowess to the lineup. Meanwhile, the rankings reflect the impact of injuries on player standings, with some top talents like Ronald Acuña Jr. facing uncertain returns.

The Atlanta Braves are exploring options for veteran catchers as they prepare for the upcoming season. According to reports, Yasmani Grandal and James McCann are both on the Braves' radar. Last season, Grandal posted a .228 batting average with nine home runs while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, known for his defensive skills. McCann, who backed up All-Star Adley Rutschman in Baltimore, also had a .228 average but hit 14 home runs in 134 games. With starting catcher Sean Murphy sidelined for a short period, the Braves must assess if either Grandal or McCann could offer more value compared to their current roster, including top prospect Drake Baldwin.