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.

This week's fantasy baseball injury report highlights critical updates on key players such as Justin Steele, CJ Abrams, and Shohei Ohtani. Justin Steele, a starter for the Chicago Cubs, is facing a recurrence of elbow tendinitis, prompting a second opinion, which could lead to a lengthy absence and possible surgery. For fantasy owners, this spells a significant concern, as the Cubs lack immediate replacements while Steele is sidelined.

CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals has been placed on the 10-day IL due to a hip flexor strain after struggling with lower-body injuries this season. His absence impacts the Nationals significantly, and fantasy owners should look to alternatives like Paul DeJong or Amed Rosario to fill the gap. Meanwhile, Grayson Rodriguez and Masyn Winn are also on the mend, with their status needing careful monitoring.

Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals has been placed on the injured list due to back spasms he sustained during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 23-year-old shortstop's departure in the second inning necessitated a reshuffle in defensive positions, with Brendan Donovan temporarily shifting to designated hitter and Thomas Saggese taking over at shortstop. In an ironic twist given his injury, Winn had hoped to avoid an IL stint but ultimately was sidelined.

To replace him, the Cardinals activated 24-year-old Nolan Gorman from the IL, who had been recovering from a hamstring strain. Gorman previously showcased promise with a strong performance in a brief two-game stint before his injury, aiming to improve on a disappointing previous season. With Winn out, the Cardinals will rely on Donovan and Saggese at shortstop, while Gorman looks to reclaim his position in the lineup.