Injuries are affecting several key players as the MLB season unfolds, with Jackson Merrill, Jack Leiter, and Zach Neto all on the shelf but expected to return soon. Each player is dealing with different injuries, yet reports suggest that all could be back by mid-to-late April.

Jackson Merrill, the talented outfielder for the San Diego Padres, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a hamstring tweak. Despite a rocky start, his impressive play last season and a new contract extension have made him a fantasy favorite. Meanwhile, Jack Leiter of the Texas Rangers is sidelined with a blister on his finger but has shown encouraging signs after a strong start to the 2025 season. Lastly, Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels is making strides in recovery from a shoulder injury, showcasing solid numbers in his rehab stints. Fantasy managers should monitor these players closely, as they could significantly impact lineups upon their return.

The Salt Lake Bees' new venue, the Ballpark at America First Square, delivers an exceptional experience for baseball fans. With a design that blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality, this ballpark captures the charm of traditional stadiums while providing comfort and accessibility for its 8,000 spectators. The stunning mountain backdrops add to the allure, making every seat feel like a prime spot for viewing the action.

During the inaugural home opener, the atmosphere was electric, highlighted by the Bees' 13-10 victory over the Reno Aces. Notable performances included infielder Zach Neto, who rehabbed from injury and made a memorable impact with a home run, and JD Davis, who kicked off the scoring with a grand slam. The fans, many donning merchandise from the Bees' rich history, embraced the change, celebrating this new era in Utah's minor league baseball.

Injured players often present value in fantasy baseball drafts, and savvy managers can exploit this by stashing them. Players such as Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, Sean Manaea of the New York Mets, and Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers are excellent stash candidates. Neto, recovering from shoulder surgery, is a high-upside pick following a breakout 2024. Manaea, while sidelined by an oblique strain, showed impressive stats last season and may return early. Woodruff's potential is notable despite missing the previous season, he has a history of strong performance.

Other players to consider include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who will miss part of the season with a lat strain but has demonstrated significant strikeout potential. Lastly, Francisco Alvarez, the Mets' catcher, is out for several weeks with a hand injury but possesses power worth waiting for. Knowing when to draft these players can provide a competitive edge as they return to form.

This season's fantasy drafts see shortstop being a notably top-heavy position, with Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Mookie Betts going in the first round of most leagues. Not far behind, Francisco Lindor is also a popular pick, often within the top ten. As the first round unfolds, managers can expect to see Trea Turner, Corey Seager, Oneil Cruz, and CJ Abrams taken in the third to fifth rounds.

However, even if these elite shortstops aren’t available, there are solid options later in the draft. Players such as Ezequiel Tovar and Zach Neto offer intriguing upside, with Tovar boasting impressive stats from last year, while Neto has shown potential despite facing injury concerns. Dansby Swanson presents a reliable option with consistent offensive numbers and the ability to swipe bases. Tyler Fitzgerald and Carlos Correa also stand as late-round steals, with Correa demonstrating strong numbers when healthy, and Fitzgerald showcasing speed and power potential. Finally, Bo Bichette is expected to bounce back after a disappointing season, making him a high-reward pick this year.

The fantasy baseball shortstop landscape in 2025 is loaded with both undervalued and overvalued players, creating a rich terrain for fantasy enthusiasts. Names like Bobby Witt Jr. and Francisco Lindor are commanding top draft slots, while players like Ezequiel Tovar and Bo Bichette present intriguing value options. Tovar, despite his high whiff rate, showcased potential with a successful 2024 season, making him a sleeper pick at ADP 160. Conversely, Bichette's injury-riddled past year at 131.3 ADP could yield a bounce-back opportunity. Then there’s Willy Adames, signed by the Giants, who may be overvalued due to his new pitcher-friendly environment. A comprehensive look reveals that while some shortstops are primed for breakout seasons, others may not live up to their lofty draft positions.