Injuries are proving critical in fantasy baseball, especially as Week 5 unfolds. Seattle Mariners' ace Logan Gilbert was sidelined after experiencing right forearm soreness, later diagnosed as a right elbow flexor strain. This could significantly impact his season, and fantasy managers should consider alternatives for their lineups. Meanwhile, George Kirby is inching closer to returning after a pain-free bullpen session, though he will need time to ramp up.

Jackson Merrill continues to recover for the Padres, but a return before the end of the homestand seems unlikely. In other news, Tyler O’Neill has been placed on the injured list due to neck discomfort, a situation that seems more precautionary than serious. The Twins face challenges with Byron Buxton as their primary option while the Rangers are activating Jack Leiter, who should be monitored closely. Keep an eye on these evolving injury scenarios to optimize your fantasy strategies.

Grayson Rodriguez, the promising starter for the Baltimore Orioles, faces a daunting recovery as he seeks a second opinion on a shoulder injury that may sideline him for the 2025 season. This follows a frustrating series of elbow and triceps issues that already derailed his start to the year. With multiple injuries in his history, fantasy owners should be prepared for the possibility that Rodriguez may not return this season.

San Diego Padres' Jackson Merrill is also set for an extended absence due to a hamstring injury. The team emphasizes caution, aiming for a full recovery before reintroducing him to gameplay. Similarly, other players like Jake Cronenworth, Masyn Winn, and Max Scherzer are navigating their own injury challenges, with varying timelines for potential returns. Each of these developments adds a layer of complexity for fantasy managers trying to optimize their rosters amidst ongoing injury updates.

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.

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.