Edouard Julien's recent performance has marked a significant turnaround for the Minnesota Twins. After struggling last season with a .199 batting average and .616 OPS, he has shown remarkable growth, particularly against off-speed pitches, leading to his recent promotion to the leadoff spot in the lineup. His ability to adjust his swing and improve his mental approach has yielded positive results, including multi-hit games against teams like the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers.

Manager Rocco Baldelli has praised Julien for his swing adjustments and mental fortitude, noting he is now better prepared to handle the plate and capitalize on pitches. With eight hits in his last six games, including three extra-base hits, Julien is not only gaining confidence but also demonstrating resilience, viewing hard-hit balls as personal victories, regardless of the outcomes.

Injuries are taking a toll in the early weeks of the 2025 MLB season, impacting several key fantasy players. Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins, suffering from a hamstring strain, is likely to miss at least another month. His potential return remains uncertain but could extend to Memorial Day. Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox is also on the injured list due to shoulder surgery and back issues, with a possible return in May if he clears his rehab assignments.

New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil, who was expected to build on a promising rookie season, is recovering from a high-grade lat strain. He might begin throwing within days but is projected to be out until June. Fantasy managers should consider stashing these players on the injured list as they have significant upside when healthy.

As the fantasy baseball landscape evolves, savvy managers are eyeing injured players for potential stashes, especially as we enter Week 2 of the 2025 season. High-profile athletes like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman find themselves on the injured list, but their return could be pivotal for fantasy squads. Other players worth considering include Royce Lewis, who boasts a history of productive seasons when healthy, and Grayson Rodriguez, a promising young arm for the Baltimore Orioles, both of whom might return soon. Managers should capitalize on their league mates’ oversights and make strategic moves to secure these valuable assets.

Monitoring injured players provides an edge in fantasy baseball; acquiring stashes like Zach Neto and Jack Leiter could pay dividends as they work through their recovery timelines. With injuries impacting the league, it’s crucial to stay updated on recovery prospects and roster percentages to gain an advantage.

Jhoan Duran, the Minnesota Twins' closer, recently introduced a new pitch to his repertoire: the sweeper. During a game against the Houston Astros, Duran struck out Jake Meyers with this pitch, which he had been developing over the past two years. His fastball can peak at 104 mph, and while his splinker has become popular among pitchers for generating ground balls, the sweeper adds a new dimension. This pitch moves away from right-handed hitters and can be thrown at 87 mph, similar to his curveball.

Initially, Duran faced challenges integrating the sweeper into his game, having shelved it after its first attempt last season went awry. He worked on refining it during the offseason with assistant pitching coach Luis Ramírez, focusing on grip and arm slot adjustments. Feedback from teammates and coaches has been encouraging, suggesting that the sweeper could be a valuable weapon in Duran's arsenal for the upcoming season.

Royce Lewis continues to make strides in his recovery from a hamstring strain, which he suffered three weeks ago. Although he remains weeks away from returning to the field, Lewis has been running bases and is pleased with his progress, stating, 'It’s coming along good.' The Twins are cautious, planning a gradual ramp-up in his activities. President Derek Falvey emphasized the importance of not rushing Lewis back into action, as he is a valuable contributor to the team.

Meanwhile, other injury updates from the Twins include Brooks Lee, who has begun his rehab assignment, and Brock Stewart, who is experiencing some tightness but maintains that his arm feels strong. Michael Tonkin's shoulder strain continues to be monitored, with no set timeline for his return. The Twins are gearing up for their upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals, where Simeon Woods Richardson is expected to start.