The 2025 MLB season has been full of surprises, but one thing remains constant: injuries are shaping how teams win and lose. From superstar outfielders to frontline pitchers, every team is feeling the effects. This MLB Injury Report covers the most important updates, return dates, and what it all means for team performance and fantasy baseball.
Why This MLB Injury Report Matters
Injuries don’t just affect the teams—they affect the entire baseball ecosystem. Fantasy managers need to stay informed. Bettors want to know who’s out. Fans are watching to see when their favorite players will return. That’s why we’ve compiled the most comprehensive MLB Injury Report for the 2025 season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About This MLB Injury Report
What is the purpose of this MLB Injury Report?
This MLB Injury Report is designed to help fans, fantasy players, and bettors stay informed about key injuries across all 30 Major League Baseball teams. It highlights which star players are out, when they’re expected to return, and how their absence affects team performance.
How is the information organized?
The report is organized team by team, making it easy to scan for your favorite clubs or fantasy rosters. Each team section includes:
- Player name and position
- Estimated return date
- Injury status and current condition
- Short analysis of impact on the team
Which players are included in the report?
Only notable players or injuries with a meaningful impact are listed. This includes All-Stars, starting pitchers, everyday position players, and key relievers. Long-term injuries, frequent updates, or cases affecting team dynamics are prioritized.
How often is this report updated?
This version reflects injuries through May 2025. While it’s not live-updating, it is compiled using current and verified MLB injury news from trusted sources like team reports and league beat writers.
Why does the report mention fantasy and betting impact?
Player injuries directly affect fantasy baseball performance, daily lineups, and sports betting odds. Understanding who’s sidelined helps fans make smarter fantasy roster decisions and adjust their expectations for team matchups.
National League Injury Updates (Last Updated May 2nd)
Arizona Diamondbacks
A.J. Puk (RP)
- Injury: Elbow flexor strain
- How it happened: Reported tightness after an early April outing; imaging confirmed a strain
- Return date: Expected July 4
- Status: On 60-day IL, no surgery needed
- Impact: Loss of a key left-handed reliever weakens the bullpen
Ketel Marte (2B)
- Injury: Hamstring strain
- How it happened: Tweaked during baserunning
- Return date: May 2
- Status: Traveling with team, trending positively
- Impact: His return will help stabilize the middle infield and offense
Jordan Montgomery (SP)
- Injury: Elbow inflammation
- How it happened: Felt soreness during spring training bullpen
- Return date: July 1
- Status: On 60-day IL
- Impact: Leaves Arizona short on veteran rotation arms
Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF)
- Injury: Knee soreness
- How it happened: Awkward slide into home plate
- Return date: May 23
- Status: 10-day IL, no major structural damage
- Impact: Braves’ lineup missing one of MLB’s top offensive threats
Spencer Strider (SP)
- Injury: Hamstring strain
- How it happened: Pulled hamstring covering first base
- Return date: Around May 16
- Status: Rehab ongoing, not yet throwing off mound
- Impact: Loss of ace puts pressure on rotation depth
Reynaldo López (SP)
- Injury: Shoulder surgery
- How it happened: Developed chronic discomfort, required arthroscopic procedure
- Return date: August or later
- Status: Shut down from throwing
- Impact: Further depletes Braves’ pitching depth
Chicago Cubs
Justin Steele (SP)
- Injury: Elbow strain
- How it happened: Stiffness following an early-season start
- Return date: Undetermined
- Status: On 60-day IL
- Impact: Major blow to Chicago’s rotation plans
Javier Assad (SP)
- Injury: Grade 2 oblique strain
- How it happened: Pulled muscle during warm-ups
- Return date: Mid-June
- Status: Rest and rehab underway
- Impact: Leaves another hole in the starting rotation
Ryan Brasier (RP)
- Injury: Groin strain
- How it happened: Pulled muscle covering home on wild pitch
- Return date: May 5
- Status: Rehab progressing
- Impact: Cubs bullpen stretched thin in late innings
Cincinnati Reds
Christian Encarnacion-Strand (1B)
- Injury: Back tightness
- How it happened: Post-workout stiffness after batting practice
- Return date: May 5
- Status: On 10-day IL
- Impact: Power missing from the middle of Reds’ lineup
Jeimer Candelario (3B)
- Injury: Back soreness
- How it happened: Injury while diving for a ground ball
- Return date: Possibly late May
- Status: Rehab timeline not yet clear
- Impact: Both corner infield spots now under pressure
Ian Gibaut (RP)
- Injury: Shoulder impingement
- How it happened: Early exit after velocity drop
- Return date: May 11
- Status: Rehab assignment pending
- Impact: One less high-leverage arm available in bullpen
Colorado Rockies
Kris Bryant (RF)
- Injury: Back inflammation
- How it happened: Soreness after swinging during mid-series at-bat
- Return date: May 2
- Status: Undergoing imaging; day-to-day
- Impact: Veteran leadership and power are missing from the lineup
Austin Gomber (SP)
- Injury: Shoulder discomfort
- How it happened: Pain followed the final spring appearance
- Return date: Unclear, possibly delayed beyond June
- Status: Currently not throwing
- Impact: Rotational options are extremely limited
Ezequiel Tovar (SS)
- Injury: Hip soreness
- How it happened: Injury during the sprint to first base
- Return date: Mid-May
- Status: Rehab stalled; not yet cleared for baseball activity
- Impact: Defense and speed lost in the infield
Baltimore Orioles
Grayson Rodriguez (SP)
- Injury: Elbow soreness
- How it happened: Reported discomfort after a late April bullpen session
- Return date: Expected around June 1
- Status: Transferred to 60-day IL
- Impact: Rotation depth severely diminished
Tyler Wells (SP)
- Injury: Elbow inflammation
- How it happened: Irritation worsened during early spring, throwing
- Return date: Targeting August
- Status: 60-day IL, slowly progressing in rehab
- Impact: Orioles lack veteran innings; bullpen workload increasing
Colton Cowser (LF)
- Injury: Thumb sprain
- How it happened: Occurred during a diving catch attempt
- Return date: Late May at the earliest
- Status: Not cleared for baseball activities
- Impact: Limits defensive flexibility and power from the outfield
Boston Red Sox
Masataka Yoshida (LF)
- Injury: Shoulder inflammation
- How it happened: Flared up after a long throwing session
- Return date: Unknown; setback during rehab
- Status: IL stint may extend into June
- Impact: Boston’s left field production has dropped significantly
Walker Buehler (SP)
- Injury: Shoulder fatigue
- How it happened: Post-start soreness after rehab appearance
- Return date: Delayed indefinitely
- Status: Being re-evaluated in Boston
- Impact: Rotation lacks top-end stability without Buehler
Richard Fitts (SP)
- Injury: Pectoral strain
- How it happened: Discomfort surfaced during throwing progression
- Return date: Mid-May
- Status: Playing light catch
- Impact: Prevents Boston from exploring young arm depth
Cleveland Guardians
Shane Bieber (SP)
- Injury: Elbow inflammation
- How it happened: Gradual soreness led to shutdown in early April
- Return date: Around July 1
- Status: On 60-day IL
- Impact: Major blow to Guardians’ chances at playoff push
Trevor Stephan (RP)
- Injury: Elbow strain
- How it happened: Occurred during late-spring bullpen session
- Return date: Late May
- Status: Throwing at Arizona facility
- Impact: Weakens high-leverage relief options
Paul Sewald (RP)
- Injury: Shoulder strain
- How it happened: Developed after consecutive back-to-back outings
- Return date: Indefinite; described as long-term
- Status: On 15-day IL, not yet throwing
- Impact: Guardians missing key closer from bullpen
Detroit Tigers
Jake Rogers (C)
- Injury: Oblique strain
- How it happened: It occurred during a swing in late April
- Return date: May 8
- Status: Playing catch, no batting activity yet
- Impact: Defensive presence behind the plate sorely missed
Alex Lange (RP)
- Injury: Lat inflammation
- How it happened: Flared up after spring bullpen session
- Return date: June
- Status: Shut down temporarily
- Impact: Tigers bullpen lacks late-inning reliability
Matt Vierling (CF)
- Injury: Shoulder irritation
- How it happened: Hurt while diving for a ball in center field
- Return date: Mid-May
- Status: Rehab beginning shortly
- Impact: Tigers’ outfield rotation has taken a hit
Houston Astros
Lance McCullers Jr. (SP)
- Injury: Forearm tightness
- How it happened: Tightened up during rehab throwing
- Return date: May 4
- Status: Slated to start against White Sox
- Impact: Adds a much-needed arm back into Astros’ rotation
Cristian Javier (SP)
- Injury: Elbow inflammation
- How it happened: Reported discomfort post-start in March
- Return date: July
- Status: On 60-day IL, slowly progressing
- Impact: Leaves Astros with fewer reliable starters
Shawn Dubin (RP)
- Injury: Shoulder soreness
- How it happened: Mid-April injury during warm-up
- Return date: Early May
- Status: Rehab nearly complete
- Impact: Could help stabilize Astros’ middle relief corps
Kansas City Royals
Salvador Perez (C)
- Injury: General soreness
- How it happened: Sustained minor lower-body discomfort after foul tip
- Return date: May 2
- Status: Day-to-day
- Impact: His leadership and power at the plate are irreplaceable
James McArthur (RP)
- Injury: Elbow inflammation
- How it happened: Shut down after stiffness during bullpen
- Return date: Mid-July at the earliest
- Status: Not throwing
- Impact: Royals are without a trusted reliever for the long term
Hunter Harvey (RP)
- Injury: Shoulder strain
- How it happened: Sustained during mound appearance in April
- Return date: Mid-May
- Status: Scheduled for bullpen session
- Impact: Key arm in late innings currently missing
Los Angeles Angels
Mike Trout (RF)
- Injury: Knee contusion
- How it happened: Hit by a pitch on the kneecap during at-bat
- Return date: May 12
- Status: On 10-day IL, expected to return soon
- Impact: Angels’ offense suffers drastically without him
Robert Stephenson (RP)
- Injury: Elbow soreness
- How it happened: Developed while ramping up to full throwing velocity
- Return date: Late May
- Status: Progressing through rehab
- Impact: Reduces bullpen flexibility
Anthony Rendon (3B)
- Injury: Hip strain
- How it happened: Non-contact injury while running bases
- Return date: Targeting July
- Status: Shut down from full activity
- Impact: Angels’ infield depth tested again
New York Yankees
Giancarlo Stanton (DH)
- Injury: Elbow surgery recovery
- How it happened: Chronic soreness led to offseason surgery
- Return date: After midseason; timeline unclear
- Status: On 60-day IL
- Impact: Massive loss of power from the Yankees lineup
DJ LeMahieu (3B)
- Injury: Calf and hip strain
- How it happened: Suffered while stretching for a ground ball
- Return date: May 12
- Status: Rehab assignment pending
- Impact: Lineup lacks consistency at the top of the order
Luis Gil (SP)
- Injury: Lat strain
- How it happened: Felt discomfort during mound work
- Return date: Early June
- Status: Throwing program resumed
- Impact: One of the Yankees’ top young arms is sidelined again
Major Long-Term Injuries (60-Day IL)
The 60-day injured list isn’t just a formality—it’s often a signal that a player is dealing with a serious injury that could significantly alter their season. The 2025 MLB Injury Report highlights a number of big-name players whose extended absences are reshaping the competitive landscape of the league.
These aren’t just starters. They’re franchise cornerstones, MVP candidates, and All-Stars. Their loss doesn’t only affect their teams—it ripples across fantasy leagues, betting lines, and playoff projections.
Shane Bieber (SP, Cleveland Guardians)
- Injury: Elbow inflammation
- Estimated Return: July 1 or later
- What Happened: Bieber experienced recurring elbow discomfort during spring and was eventually shut down before Opening Day. He’s on a conservative rehab timeline and is currently restricted to light throwing.
- Team Impact: The Guardians’ rotation has suffered significantly. Without Bieber anchoring the staff, younger arms are being thrown into high-leverage roles. Cleveland’s playoff hopes may depend on how quickly he can return and whether he can regain form.
- Fantasy Relevance: Former Cy Young winner becomes a stash-and-hope asset in redraft leagues and a high-risk hold in dynasty formats.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF, Atlanta Braves)
- Injury: Knee soreness (post-surgical site)
- Estimated Return: Late May
- What Happened: Acuña tweaked his surgically repaired knee while sliding into home plate in late April. The Braves placed him on the IL out of caution but haven’t announced structural damage. However, there’s reason for concern given his history.
- Team Impact: The Braves lose their leadoff hitter, outfield anchor, and MVP-caliber bat. The offense has shown signs of slowing in his absence. Even when Acuña returns, he may be eased back with rest days or DH duties.
- Fantasy Relevance: Every day he misses matters in roto and head-to-head formats. Managers should monitor carefully for recurring issues even after he’s activated.
Giancarlo Stanton (DH, New York Yankees)
- Injury: Elbow surgery recovery
- Estimated Return: Midseason at best
- What Happened: Offseason elbow surgery was supposed to resolve long-standing soreness, but Stanton’s throwing program was halted in early April. He’s now on the 60-day IL with no definitive timetable.
- Team Impact: Stanton was expected to bring middle-of-the-lineup power to the Yankees. Without him, the team has leaned heavily on Judge and Torres. Their right-handed power imbalance is glaring.
- Fantasy Relevance: The risk of a lost season looms. In shallow leagues, Stanton may be droppable. In deeper or keeper formats, he’s a bench stash only if you have IL slots to spare.
Cristian Javier (SP, Houston Astros)
- Injury: Elbow inflammation
- Estimated Return: July
- What Happened: Javier’s velocity dipped sharply in late March. A follow-up evaluation showed inflammation in his pitching elbow. He was quickly transferred to the 60-day IL, signaling concern from the Astros’ medical staff.
- Team Impact: Houston’s elite rotation is fractured. With McCullers also recovering, and Framber Valdez inconsistent, Javier’s absence removes a high-strikeout, low-walk stabilizer. The bullpen is under added strain.
- Fantasy Relevance: In redraft, Javier is a wait-and-see candidate. Don’t expect elite performance immediately upon return, especially if innings are managed.
Grayson Rodriguez (SP, Baltimore Orioles)
- Injury: Elbow strain
- Estimated Return: June, possibly later
- What Happened: The Orioles’ top young pitcher was scratched in early April with elbow tightness. Though no structural damage was found, Rodriguez was placed on the 60-day IL to allow a long-term recovery window.
- Team Impact: Baltimore’s rotation has been inconsistent without him. While Dean Kremer and John Means have stepped up, Rodriguez was expected to be the No. 1.
- Fantasy Relevance: Rodriguez’s breakout potential makes him a highly anticipated stash, but fantasy managers must temper expectations. Rust, pitch limits, or innings caps may limit his value even after activation.
The Bigger Picture
These long-term injuries aren’t just footnotes on the MLB Injury Report — they are headline-makers that influence divisional standings, playoff races, and front-office decisions. Teams like the Yankees, Astros, Braves, Guardians, and Orioles all had postseason expectations. The absence of their top players makes those goals more difficult to achieve.
For fantasy managers and bettors, the lesson is clear: adapt early. Monitor rehab progress, scout backups, and keep an eye on minor league call-ups who could fill in for these stars.
Fantasy Baseball and Betting Impacts: What the MLB Injury Report Really Means
If you’re a competitive fantasy baseball manager or a sharp sports bettor, you know that checking the MLB Injury Report isn’t optional—it’s essential. Injuries don’t just hurt real teams—they shift fantasy league standings, alter DFS lineups, and swing betting odds.
When an MVP candidate like Ronald Acuña Jr. or an ace like Shane Bieber lands on the 60-day IL, it doesn’t just leave a hole in one roster. It triggers a ripple effect across waiver wires, depth charts, and even sportsbook props.
Here’s how elite players are adjusting in fantasy and betting circles as the 2025 injury wave reshapes the MLB season.
1. Stock Up: The Injury Replacements Winning You Leagues
Smart managers know to act before the crowd. When a key starter hits the IL, their replacement often provides short-term value at low cost—and sometimes, that opportunity turns into season-long upside.
- Brice Turang (Brewers): With Garrett Mitchell sidelined, Turang has stepped into more consistent leadoff duties. He offers speed and sneaky OBP value.
- Tyler Freeman (Guardians): Filling in for infield gaps, Freeman is quietly producing in deeper leagues and now has multi-position eligibility.
- Andy Ibáñez (Tigers): With Matt Vierling and Jake Rogers out, Ibáñez has picked up more playing time and is delivering useful contact numbers.
Fantasy Tip: Always monitor lineup cards and IL placements daily. MLB.com injury reports often lag behind team-specific announcements, so beat reporters are your edge.
2. Stock Down: Pitching Staffs in Turmoil
Rotations for teams like Cleveland, Houston, and Baltimore are now filled with inconsistencies. Injuries to aces and bullpen anchors mean:
- More short starts, leading to fewer quality starts and potential for more blown saves.
- Reduced win potential, especially if the offense can’t compensate.
- Unreliable fantasy production, even from second-tier starters.
Impacted Pitchers You May Need to Bench or Cut:
- Hunter Brown (Astros): Inconsistent without Javier and McCullers setting the tone.
- Logan Allen (Guardians): Matchup-dependent streamer who suffers from lack of run support and bullpen volatility.
- Cole Irvin (Orioles): May pitch deeper into games, but results are middling and WHIP is climbing.
Sports Betting Angle: If you’re wagering on team total runs, first-five inning moneylines, or strikeout props, avoid these injury-ravaged pitching staffs unless you see exploitable matchups.
3. Streaming Opportunities: Smart Plays from Injury Chaos
Serious managers are always streaming—especially in weekly or daily leagues with innings limits. Injuries create chances to stream:
- Spot starters against weak offenses
- Middle relievers with elite ratios now getting save chances
- Matchup-based platoon hitters moving up in the lineup
Top Streamer-Friendly Situations:
- Red Sox Rotation: With Buehler and Fitts sidelined, keep an eye on call-ups like Brandon Walter or swingmen like Kutter Crawford.
- Yankees Bullpen: With Loáisiga and Gil on the IL, middle relief innings are up for grabs—possible holds value.
- Reds Offense: Injuries to Candelario and CES open paths for players like Santiago Espinal or Stuart Fairchild in deep leagues.
Fantasy Tip: Use IL spots aggressively. Don’t just stash stars—stream based on injury-driven opportunity and ride production over name value.
4. Long-Term Planning: Trade Windows and Schedule Gaps
Injuries open trade windows—if you’re active. Competing managers who lost a key player may overpay for short-term help.
- Sell high on fill-ins like a red-hot utility bat with limited season-long upside.
- Buy low on injured stars if you can afford the wait (e.g., Giancarlo Stanton in deeper leagues or Cristian Javier in keeper formats).
Betting Note: Monitor the pace of injury recoveries. If you track beat writer updates and rehab schedules, you’ll be ahead of oddsmakers adjusting lines for returning stars.
5. DFS Strategy Adjustments
Injury reports matter even more in daily fantasy baseball (DFS):
- Use injury news to exploit underpriced replacements in soft matchups.
- Avoid stacking against bullpen-heavy teams unless you know their relief arms are stable.
- Target games where injured players have been replaced by rookies or poor defenders—those hidden weaknesses can tilt a contest.
Example: If Mike Trout is out and Jo Adell is starting in center field, a flyball-heavy pitcher may suffer more than expected due to defensive drop-off.
Trends in 2025 MLB Injuries
Here are some key trends from this year’s MLB Injury Report:
- Pitchers dominate the list — over 60% of long-term injuries are from starting or relief pitchers.
- Elbow and shoulder issues remain the most common injuries.
- Hamstring and oblique strains are the top causes for hitters being sidelined.
- Early-season injuries are leading to longer timelines than expected in many cases.
Medical staffs are more cautious than ever, especially with valuable arms.
How 2025 Compares to Previous Seasons
Compared to 2023 and 2024, the MLB Injury Report for 2025 shows a noticeable increase in:
- 60-day IL assignments
- Midseason shutdowns for pitchers
- Use of “day-to-day” designations extending into weeks
Rule changes and scheduling density could be contributing factors. The 2025 season has already outpaced 2024’s first two months for total IL placements.
The Injuries That Define the 2025 MLB Season
The 2025 MLB Injury Report tells a story of key players missing time, lineups adjusting, and teams scrambling to keep pace. From Ronald Acuña Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton to ace pitchers like Bieber and Montgomery, injuries are shaping the standings, fantasy leaderboards, and betting markets.
Keeping track of IL updates, monitoring return dates, and understanding the impact on each roster is more important than ever. This report will continue to evolve as the season progresses.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, casual follower, or fantasy manager, the MLB Injury Report should be part of your daily routine.
