Injuries are shaking up the fantasy baseball landscape as the 2025 MLB season rolls into its fourth week. Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves, Colton Cowser, and Grayson Rodriguez of the Baltimore Orioles are each facing significant setbacks, affecting their fantasy value. Strider, who underwent an offseason procedure, is now sidelined again with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The Braves expect his absence to be brief, possibly returning in early May. Meanwhile, Cowser's thumb fracture incurred just four games into the season will keep him out until late May or early June, but his potential impact upon return remains high. Rodriguez, having dealt with both elbow inflammation and a mild lat strain, might not be back until around the All-Star break. For fantasy managers, managing these injuries effectively is crucial for navigating the upcoming summer months.

Grayson Rodriguez, the promising right-hander for the Baltimore Orioles, is facing another setback after being diagnosed with a strained lat muscle during his rehabilitation from previous elbow inflammation. Manager Brandon Hyde indicated that Rodriguez is a few weeks away from resuming his throwing program, highlighting a troubling trend as this is not the first time the young pitcher has faced similar injuries. In 2022, he missed three months in the minors due to a lat strain, and in 2024, he was again sidelined with the same issue.

As the Orioles navigate a wave of injuries to their pitching staff, including fellow starters Zach Eflin, Kyle Braddish, and Tyler Wells, the team’s depth will be tested. Hyde remains optimistic about Rodriguez's recovery, hoping he can maintain health this time around. Meanwhile, Eflin, who has also been on the injured list with a lat strain, is set to return for a side session soon, adding a much-needed boost to the rotation.

The Baltimore Orioles are facing a significant challenge early in the 2025 MLB season, as their pitching woes continue to plague the franchise. With a team ERA of 5.48, the worst in the league, their need for starting pitching is glaring. Despite trading for former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes in 2024, the Orioles' rotation has struggled, with starters Cade Povich and Dean Kramer both posting ERAs over 6.00 while veteran Charlie Morton has exceeded 10.00. Injuries to key players like Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez exacerbate the situation, leaving the team vulnerable in a competitive AL East.

The Orioles' management, under new billionaire ownership, has yet to invest significantly in high-end talent despite having a young, inexpensive core. Their failure to secure reliable starters has serious implications for their playoff aspirations, especially with increased competition from rivals like the Yankees and Blue Jays. As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles risk overpaying for quality pitching options, including potential trades for top arms like Sandy Alcantara.

Chito Martinez, the only Major League Baseball player from Belize and a former outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, passed away at the age of 59 due to a heart attack. Martinez was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1984, and after a successful minor league career, he made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 1991. He started strong, hitting 13 home runs in his first season and setting a record by hitting safely in his first six games. Over his MLB career, he achieved 18 home runs and a .259 batting average across 158 games.

Martinez is remembered not only for his achievements on the field but also as a father, with his son Drew Martinez also achieving success in baseball, being an All-Conference USA selection and a draft pick for the San Francisco Giants. He continues his legacy as a coach with the Eugene Emeralds.

Three promising prospects are making waves this season: Bubba Chandler, Coby Mayo, and Jac Caglianone. Each of these players presents considerable upside for fantasy managers looking to make strategic stashes. The Pittsburgh Pirates' Chandler has demonstrated exceptional potential with a striking 1.76 ERA in Triple-A, boasting impressive strikeout numbers and fastball velocity. Meanwhile, Coby Mayo from the Baltimore Orioles has shown flashes of brilliance, despite recent struggles, indicating he could bounce back and solidify his place in the majors. Lastly, Jac Caglianone of the Kansas City Royals is off to a strong start in Double-A and could provide the left-handed power the Royals desperately need.