Injuries are becoming a factor early in the 2025 MLB season, affecting key players and fantasy lineups. A.J. Puk of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation after a solid start with four saves. Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres suffered a concussion that will sideline him for at least a week. Meanwhile, George Kirby of the Seattle Mariners is recovering from shoulder inflammation, with a potential return in May after positive reports following his bullpen sessions. Fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on these developments as they navigate the waiver wire.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, the return of key pitchers Grayson Rodriguez, Brandon Woodruff, and George Kirby is a hot topic among fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Rodriguez, sidelined with elbow inflammation, is expected to undergo further rehabilitation, potentially returning by early May. His impressive stats from last season make him a valuable asset for the Baltimore Orioles.

Meanwhile, Brandon Woodruff is inching closer to returning after a lengthy shoulder recovery, with a mid-May return on the horizon. His past performance suggests he could significantly bolster the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup. On the other hand, George Kirby is also expected to return around the same time, following shoulder inflammation recovery. Each pitcher's return could have a ripple effect on their respective teams' rotations.

As the MLB season approaches, fantasy managers sift through spring training performances, evaluating players' potential value for their drafts. While the Tokyo series kicks off the official games, it's crucial to balance excitement with caution. Injuries are reshaping drafts, with notable players like George Kirby and Grayson Rodriguez facing setbacks that have affected their average draft positions (ADP). Kirby's fall to 57 and Rodriguez's slide to 132 make them intriguing, albeit risky, targets.

On the flip side, breakout candidates are rising, with Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers hitting .500 and rapidly climbing to an ADP of 43. Similarly, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays has shown promise, raising his ADP to 87. Meanwhile, established hitters like Juan Soto and Matt Wallner are showcasing power, with Wallner's ADP around 278 potentially offering a late-round steal.

However, some players are struggling, with veterans and young stars alike, such as Kyle Tucker and Salvador Perez, not finding their rhythm yet. For now, managers should keep a close eye on spring training stats while preparing for final roster decisions before opening day.

In the latest fantasy baseball injury report, significant updates reveal Texas Rangers pitchers Jon Gray and Cody Bradford will miss substantial time due to injuries. Gray is likely out for at least six weeks with a fractured wrist, while Bradford is sidelined for three weeks with elbow soreness. This opens opportunities for Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, both young talents who could impact your fantasy lineup.

Seattle Mariners’ George Kirby is expected to return from shoulder inflammation sooner than anticipated, with a potential return in May after minor league rehab. Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves also looks poised for a late-April return, while Ronald Acuña Jr. is proceeding cautiously with his recovery.

New York Mets’ Brandon Nimmo anticipates being a designated hitter on Opening Day despite lingering knee issues, suggesting a need for ongoing monitoring. Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson appears on track for Opening Day following intercostal strain recovery. Monitor these injuries closely as they will impact your drafting and lineup strategies.