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.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is heating up, and with it comes an opportunity to stash some key injured players who can be impactful upon their return. Players like Luis Gil from the New York Yankees, who posted a robust 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 2024, could be a great addition as he is expected back by late May. With Gerrit Cole sidelined, Gil's strikeout potential makes him a valuable stash.

Another exciting name is Eury Perez from the Miami Marlins, who showcased his talent with a 3.15 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 2023. After Tommy John surgery, he’s set to return in mid-to-late June, making him a worthwhile investment for patient fantasy managers. Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals is also projected to return soon, and his solid performance in 2024, with 11 stolen bases and 15 home runs, suggests he could provide immediate offensive support.

Jake Cronenworth, a versatile option for the San Diego Padres, is recovering from a rib fracture and is an intriguing pickup given his role in a strong lineup. Lastly, Connor Wong from the Boston Red Sox, despite a fractured finger, is expected to contribute significantly upon his return after a productive 2024 season. All these players present low roster percentages and can be great additions for teams with injured reserve spots.

Friday's MLB DFS slate features 13 games, providing numerous options for fantasy enthusiasts. Nick Pivetta is a strong pick against the Rockies, with a favorable matchup and the potential for strikeouts, especially given Colorado's poor performance against RHP this season. Taj Bradley also stands out, showing signs of a breakout with his strikeout ability against an underperforming Atlanta lineup.

In the infield, Kristian Campbell offers great value as a 2B/OF for the Red Sox, who face off against Davis Martin, a pitcher struggling to miss bats. Jake Cronenworth, positioned in the Padres lineup against German Márquez, looks to capitalize on his previous success against him. Lastly, Spencer Torkelson of the Tigers is another intriguing option as he faces David Festa, who has had his struggles against left-handed hitters.

As Week 2 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, it's time to assess waiver wire opportunities for infielders. Rhys Hoskins, currently with the Milwaukee Brewers, offers a promising option with a favorable schedule featuring hitter-friendly venues like Coors Field. Meanwhile, Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres, despite a slow start, could capitalize on a strong team batting average and favorable matchups.

For deeper leagues, Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox has shown potential with a solid start, while Enrique Hernandez, serving as a versatile option in the Dodgers lineup, could break out. In the deepest leagues, keep an eye on Carlos Santana, who’s been locked in the cleanup spot for the Guardians, and Geraldo Perdomo from the Diamondbacks, who is off to a hot start with an opportunity for more playing time.

Yuli Gurriel broke the scoreless deadlock in the seventh inning, securing a crucial pinch-hit RBI single that led the San Diego Padres to a narrow 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The game saw Jake Cronenworth start the decisive rally with a ground-rule double before Gurriel's timely hit, showcasing the Padres' ability to capitalize on their limited scoring opportunities.

Both starting pitchers delivered exceptional performances, each throwing six shutout innings. Randy Vasquez of the Padres and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves kept hitters off balance, despite the Padres' prior offensive success in the series. The Braves, despite multiple chances, failed to convert, while Wandy Peralta earned the win in relief, highlighting San Diego's depth in the bullpen.