The spotlight shines on a select group of pitchers with two starts in the upcoming week, presenting fantasy managers with opportunities to maximize their lineups. Among the strong plays, Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, looks to continue his impressive form after a strong outing against the Yankees. Similarly, Framber Valdez shows promise with a solid ERA and strikeout ratio, while Max Fried stands out with his excellent starts for the Yankees. Luis Castillo and Kevin Gausman also enter this week with strong metrics, making them must-starts in all leagues.

As we navigate through decent plays, pitchers like Ryan Pepiot and Jeffrey Springs present a mix of potential and risk. While Pepiot faces tough matchups, Springs could excel given the right conditions. Tanner Houck and Seth Lugo need to be monitored closely as they face challenging lineups. In the National League, Jesus Luzardo and Paul Skenes emerge as powerful options, boasting outstanding metrics and favorable matchups.

Strategically, these insights underscore the importance of planning ahead for weekly matchups, especially as injuries mount and player performance fluctuates. Staying ahead of the curve on roster decisions could be the difference between a playoff spot or a lost season.

Spencer Strider's return from the injured list could be imminent, with the right-hander striking out 13 in a recent rehab start for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. He allowed just one run over 5 ⅓ innings, showcasing a fastball that averaged 95.3 mph. Strider's recovery, which involved an internal brace procedure for his UCL, is progressing well, and he may rejoin the Braves as early as next week. The team currently struggles, sitting last in the NL East with a mere 3.09 runs per game.

The Braves also await the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., who is improving after ACL surgery. However, the team faces challenges in scoring, having only managed to score more than three runs in one of their games this season. Despite these struggles, Strider's return could provide a significant boost to the Braves' struggling rotation.

As the fantasy baseball landscape evolves, savvy managers are eyeing injured players for potential stashes, especially as we enter Week 2 of the 2025 season. High-profile athletes like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman find themselves on the injured list, but their return could be pivotal for fantasy squads. Other players worth considering include Royce Lewis, who boasts a history of productive seasons when healthy, and Grayson Rodriguez, a promising young arm for the Baltimore Orioles, both of whom might return soon. Managers should capitalize on their league mates’ oversights and make strategic moves to secure these valuable assets.

Monitoring injured players provides an edge in fantasy baseball; acquiring stashes like Zach Neto and Jack Leiter could pay dividends as they work through their recovery timelines. With injuries impacting the league, it’s crucial to stay updated on recovery prospects and roster percentages to gain an advantage.

Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers is currently on the 10-day injured list due to ribcage soreness and a minor ankle issue. After showing impressive power with two home runs in limited play, Freeman's return is anticipated around mid-April, which would significantly boost the Dodgers' lineup and fantasy teams alike.

Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves continues his recovery from ACL surgery and has not yet been cleared for full activities, pushing his likely return to early May. The Braves are taking a cautious approach this time, aiming for Acuña to be at full strength upon his return.

Spencer Strider, also of the Braves, is on a rapid recovery path, showcasing dominant performances during his Triple-A rehab assignment. With a potential return in sight, Strider is expected to reintegrate into a rotation that has been missing his elite strikeout ability. His return would not only solidify the Braves’ pitching staff but also provide a much-needed advantage to fantasy owners.

As the New York Mets prepare for the 2025 season, the spotlight shines on their outfielder, Juan Soto, who has recently joined the team on a historic contract. Team president David Stearns has emphasized the need for roster flexibility while navigating the aftermath of the 2024 season. The Mets find themselves in a unique position, trying to build on the success of last season while incorporating new players into what they hope will be a championship-winning team.

Key to their strategies will be the chemistry and culture established by players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, who are eager to replicate the magic they found during a playoff run last year. The Mets are conscious of the importance of maintaining positive vibes and a strong team identity as they transition into a season filled with high expectations.