The MLB season is off to a rocky start for several teams, with important injuries impacting fantasy rosters. Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals, Victor Robles of the Seattle Mariners, and Josh Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays are key players sidelined with injuries. Herrera’s knee injury is projected to keep him out until mid to late May after an impressive start. Robles is facing a lengthy recovery due to a dislocated shoulder, with a best-case scenario seeing him return by July if surgery isn't required. Lowe's oblique strain has him on the DL and likely out for all of April, but with promising signs of recovery.

As fantasy managers navigate these absences, it’s crucial to monitor the performance of the players filling in. Pedro Pages will likely take over catching duties for the Cardinals, while Julio Rodríguez and Dylan Moore are potential leadoff options for the Mariners in Robles' absence. While navigating these injuries can be challenging, staying informed on their statuses and backups is essential for maintaining competitive fantasy lineups.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a bone bruise in his left knee, sidelining him for approximately four weeks. Herrera, who was enjoying a stellar start to his first full season with a .381 batting average, four home runs, and 11 RBIs in just seven games, sustained the injury during a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox. He was unable to put weight on his leg after running the bases, leading to concerns over a more severe injury.

In his absence, Pedro Pages is expected to take over the majority of the catching duties, while Yohel Pozo has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis and will join the starting lineup for the Cardinals' upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol expressed relief that Herrera's tests returned negative and indicated that the injury could have been much worse, potentially involving an ACL tear.

Week 2 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season is an opportunity for proactive managers to strengthen their rosters with high-upside hitters. Players like Ivan Herrera and Lars Nootbaar have already made significant impacts, and this trend continues with several other streamers recommended for the upcoming week. The Red Sox, Royals, Twins, and Blue Jays have favorable schedules with seven games each, making players from these teams prime targets for waiver wire adds.

Among the recommended hitters, Spencer Torkelson is highlighted for his breakout potential as he currently boasts a 30-HR upside. Other notable streamers include Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who may struggle with average but possesses elite power, and Trevor Story, who has shown flashes of his dual-threat capability. Meanwhile, young talents like Jung Hoo Lee and Nolan Schanuel, along with emerging names like Jacob Wilson, add depth to the fantasy landscape. This week is crucial for optimizing lineups and capitalizing on favorable matchups.

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, savvy fantasy baseball players continue to scour the waiver wire for catcher talent. In Week 2, notable streamers include Keibert Ruiz from the Washington Nationals, who has maintained impressive consistency with a .320 batting average and is a secure option behind the plate. Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals, riding a hot streak with four home runs, stands out as a must-add, showcasing elite upside. Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies also deserves attention, particularly with Coors Field's opening series, which could boost his power stats significantly.

For deeper leagues, Sean Murphy's anticipated return from injury could reignite the Atlanta Braves' offense, making him an intriguing pickup. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who, although currently not called up, has demonstrated immense potential in the minors.

Heading into Week 2 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep an eye on breakout hitters and potential waiver wire targets. Jacob Wilson of the Oakland Athletics is riding a seven-game hit streak, showcasing newfound power with a barrel rate of 4.2%. Meanwhile, Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals is hitting .467 with impressive extra-base hits, including a three-homer game, suggesting he could be a top catcher this season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has also found his stride, collecting hits in six consecutive games with increased stolen base opportunities.

Those looking for power should consider Wilmer Flores, who currently boasts a high ISO percentage, while Victor Scott II stands out for his speed, already swiping four bases. Conversely, some players are underperforming by significant margins, like Mike Trout and Jonny DeLuca, who may see regression. Stay tuned for these hot and cold hitters as the season progresses.