X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Top 25 Injured Players to Stash for Fantasy Baseball - Week 1 (2025)

Brandon Woodruff - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Josh's top 25 injured players to stash for fantasy baseball as of April 1, 2025 (Week 1). His top fantasy baseball injury stashes for IL spots and redraft leagues.

Welcome RotoBallers to the first edition of the Injured Players to Stash for Fantasy Baseball series as we head into Week 1 of the 2025 MLB season. Today, we list the top 25 high-profile injured MLB players worth stashing in your leagues, including names like Colton Cowser, Brandon Woodruff, Clarke Schmidt, and more.

Whether managers had to drop these players or they were left off rosters, you can capitalize on the mistakes of your leaguemates. With some savvy moves to begin the year, you can set yourself up for season-long success.

Below, I've listed my top 25 injured players in fantasy baseball in order of Yahoo! roster percentage. I've also highlighted five players to watch, as they could be returning sooner rather than later. Without further ado, let's get to the list!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Top-25 Injured Players for Fantasy Baseball

Player Team IL Type
Gunnar Henderson Baltimore Orioles IL 10 (Intercostal)
Ronald Acuna Jr. Atlanta Braves IL 10 (Knee)
Spencer Strider Atlanta Braves IL 15 (Elbow)
George Kirby Seattle Mariners IL 15 (Shoulder)
Shane McClanahan Tampa Bay Rays IL 15 (Triceps)
Reynaldo Lopez Atlanta Braves IL 15 (Shoulder)
Royce Lewis Minnesota Twins IL 10 (Hamstring)
Colton Cowser Baltimore Orioles IL 10 (Thumb)
Gleyber Torres Detroit Tigers IL 10 (Oblique)
Grayson Rodriguez Baltimore Orioles IL 15 (Elbow)
Josh Lowe Tampa Bay Rays IL 10 (Oblique)
Alexis Diaz Cincinnati Reds IL 15 (Hamstring)
Zach Neto Los Angeles Angels IL 10 (Shoulder)
Josh Jung Texas Rangers IL 10 (Neck)
Brandon Woodruff Milwaukee Brewers IL 15 (Shoulder)
Max Scherzer Toronto Blue Jays IL 15 (Thumb)
Clarke Schmidt New York Yankees IL 15 (Shoulder)
Sean Manaea New York Mets IL 15 (Oblique)
Tyler Stephenson Cincinnati Reds IL 10 (Oblique)
Yu Darvish San Diego Padres IL 15 (Elbow)
Ranger Suarez Philadelphia Phillies IL 15 (Back)
Liam Hendriks Boston Red Sox IL 15 (Elbow)
Shane Bieber Cleveland Guardians IL 15 (Elbow)
Connor Norby Miami Marlins IL 10 (Oblique)
Sean Murphy Atlanta Braves IL 10 (Ribs)

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Monitor Closely

Colton Cowser, OF - Baltimore Orioles

Rostered: 84% Yahoo!
Estimated Return: Late May (rough estimate)

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser was placed on the 10-day IL Monday with a fractured left thumb. The 25-year-old made it through just four games before he injured his finger while sliding in Sunday's contest.

The initial estimate of six to eight weeks to recover from his thumb fracture places his eventual return around mid-to-late May. Cowser hit .242 with 24 home runs and nine stolen bases in 2024, so he is a valuable fantasy asset when healthy with room for growth. If he was dropped in any of your leagues, scoop him up while you can or try to buy low from the Cowser manager.

Brandon Woodruff, SP - Milwaukee Brewers

Rostered: 57% Yahoo!
Estimated Return: Late April

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff is on the 15-day IL while he recovers from shoulder surgery in the fall of 2023. Woodruff was amid a great season in 2023, carrying a 2.28 ERA with 74 strikeouts through 11 starts before going down with his injury.

The 32-year-old is scheduled to throw a three-inning simulated game, which will determine the next course of action in his rehab process. If all goes well, Woodruff could be on track to return towards the end of April. Woodruff is only 57% rostered in Yahoo! leagues, so scoop him up now, and you could have a legitimate ace on your squad within a month.

Sean Murphy, C - Atlanta Braves

Rostered: 15% Yahoo!
Estimated Return:  April 4 (As soon as eligible)

Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy has been extremely unlucky with injuries within the past year. Murphy's 2024 season was derailed by an oblique injury to begin the season and an elbow injury in the middle of the season, causing him to only play in 72 games. After injuries plagued him in 2024, Murphy's 2025 season has brought more of the same.

The 30-year-old was hit by a pitch in spring training and fractured a rib, causing him to begin the season on the 10-day IL. Murphy has been sidelined since February 28, but there has been positive news lately.

Murphy will reportedly begin a minor league rehab assignment today and can return to the team when he's eligible to come off the IL this Friday. Whether he is activated immediately or the Braves wait a few more days, adding him now could pay dividends.

The Braves catcher displayed his upside when he mashed 21 home runs in 108 games during the 2023 season. Murphy is one of the best all-around catchers in the game when healthy, and his bat can boost your fantasy team's offensive potential.

Clarke Schmidt, SP - New York Yankees

Rostered: 53% Yahoo!
Estimated Return: Mid-April

New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt is on the 15-day IL with a shoulder injury, but manager Aaron Boone stated that the team expects him to return sometime in the middle of April. This is positive news for a pitcher that had great success during the 2024 season.

Schmidt followed up his first full-time starter season with a 2.85 ERA in 2024. Schmidt is poised to be a key part of the Yankees' rotation for the foreseeable future, and his 53% roster percentage indicates that he is not universally rostered yet. Acquire Schmidt while you can because he will be in line for a ton of wins with the Yankees' offense supporting him.

 

Thairo Estrada, 2B - Colorado Rockies

Rostered: 10% Yahoo!
Estimated Return: Mid-May

Colorado Rockies second baseman Thairo Estrada was another victim of a hit-by-pitch this spring training. Estrada has been sidelined with a fractured wrist since March 21, and his recovery is expected to take at least four to eight weeks. Factoring in rehab games, that recovery timeline puts him on pace to return around the middle of May.

The 29-year-old dealt with several injuries that hindered his production during the 2024 season, but he was an underrated fantasy asset in the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the San Francisco Giants. Estrada hit at least .260 with 14 home runs and 20 stolen bases each season. Acquire him now and enjoy his multi-category contributions down the line.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Bryce Harper

Lands on Injured List
Sam Hauser

Possibly on the Move?
De'Aaron Fox

: "I'll be Ready for Next Year"
Evan Bouchard

Enjoys Three-Point Period In Game 2 Against Panthers
Connor McDavid

Joins Rare Company with Three-Assist Effort
Sam Bennett

Makes NHL History with Another Goal Friday
Seth Jones

Fills Stat Sheet in Game 2 Against Oilers
Anton Lundell

Notches Two Assists in Friday's Win
Brad Marchand

Leads Panthers to Victory in Game 2 Against Oilers
Tee Higgins

Trying to Prevent Injuries
Lamar Jackson

Extension for Lamar Jackson on Ravens Docket
Anthony Volpe

Leaves Early Friday With Elbow Contusion
Gabriel Moreno

Exits Early on Friday With Hand Injury
Tyreek Hill

Won't Catch Passes Until August
Shane Bieber

Shut Down From Throwing Until Next Week
Ryan Mountcastle

Out 8-12 Months With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
Rome Odunze

Anticipates Big Year 2
Shea Langeliers

A's Place Shea Langeliers on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Keilan Robinson

Joins Eagles
Ladd McConkey

Focused on Staying Healthy
Logan O'Connor

to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Ezequiel Tovar

Rockies Place Ezequiel Tovar on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Lindor

Out Again on Friday With Toe Injury
Tyler Seguin

Nursing a Shoulder Injury
DAL

Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Stuart Skinner

Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
A.J. Greer

Remains Out Friday
Corbin Burnes

to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Bryce Harper

Day-to-Day With Sore Wrist, Not Playing on Friday
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning on Friday
Ryan Ritter

Promoted to Major Leagues
Gardner Minshew II

Throwing at OTAs
Rondale Moore

Active at OTAs
Colston Loveland

Could Return Soon
Kyle Monangai

has "Really Stepped Up"
Anthony Richardson

No Structural Damage to Anthony Richardson's Shoulder
Sean O'Malley

Set For A Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Second Title Defense
Kayla Harrison

Could Become The New UFC Champion
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena Set For Co-Main Event
Joe Pyfer

A Favorite At UFC 316
Kelvin Gastelum

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista

Looks For His Eighth Consecutive Win
Isaac Guerendo

Taking Part in OTAs
Patchy Mix

Makes His UFC Debut
Evan Engram

Off to a Good Start at OTAs
Alvin Kamara

Not Present for OTAs
Vicente Luque

An Underdog At UFC 316
Kevin Holland

Set To Open Up UFC 316 Main Card
Derek Carr

Didn't Want to "Just Take the Saints Money"
Trevor Lawrence

Making Progress at OTAs
Framber Valdez

Dominates the Pirates on Thursday
Marcus Semien

Goes Deep Twice on Thursday
Alex Caruso

Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Luguentz Dort

Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Cason Wallace

Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Obi Toppin

Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Aaron Nesmith

Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Pascal Siakam

Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Tyrese Haliburton

Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Davante Adams

Making Positive Impact on Puka Nacua
Anthony Richardson

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Michael Pittman Jr.

OK But Likely to be Held Out of Minicamp With Knee Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers

Quindell Johnson Heading to Pittsburgh
Karl-Anthony Towns

Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Nate McCollum

Waived by Seahawks
Kevin Durant

Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Tyler Soderstrom

Slugs Two Homers in Blowout Win Over Twins
Kyle Teel

Being Called Up by White Sox
Shea Langeliers

Exits Early on Thursday
Shane Bieber

Scratched With Elbow Soreness
Zack Wheeler

Phillies Expect Zack Wheeler to Return Early Next Week
Josh Naylor

Day-to-Day With Multiple Injuries
Brandon Woodruff

Pulled Off Rehab Assignment After Elbow Injury
Nicolas Batum

Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Tyus Jones

Reportedly on Kings Radar
Jeff Green

Wants to Play for Two More Years
Steven Adams

Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Fred VanVleet

Likely to Remain in Houston
Nate Schmidt

Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Carter Verhaeghe

Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Sam Bennett

Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Kasperi Kapanen

Stays Productive in Finals Opener
Connor McDavid

Records Two Assists in Wednesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Scores Twice in Game 1 Win Against Panthers
Kristaps Porzingis

to be Moved This Offseason?
Phoenix Suns

Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Zion Williamson

to Remain Pelicans "Focal Point"
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Home Second Ted Lindsay Award
Derek Forbort

Sticking with Canucks for One More Year
Noah Cates

Lands Four-Year, $16 Million Extension
Rico Hoey

a Decent Dark-Horse Option at TPC Toronto
Harry Hall

a Decent Option at TPC Toronto
Beau Hossler

Not Appealing Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
Taylor Pendrith

Could See Success at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox

a Solid Option at TPC Toronto
Mackenzie Hughes

is a Risky Option at TPC Toronto
Eric Cole

Not A Great Option For RBC Canadian Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at TPC Toronto
Quade Cummins

Hard to Trust at RBC Canadian Open
PGA

Matti Schmid a High-Risk, High-Reward Play at TPC Toronto
Jake Knapp

a Boom-or-Bust Option at RBC Canadian Open
Doug Ghim

a Sneaky Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Gary Woodland

a Solid Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy

Eyes Third RBC Canadian Open Title
Wyndham Clark

Hoping to Reverse Slide at RBC Canadian Open
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen Continues Rocky 2025 Campaign
Sahith Theegala

Trying to Find Positives in 2025
Justin Rose

Enjoying Career Renaissance at 44
John Pak

Striving to Improve on PGA Tour
Kurt Kitayama

Roller-Coaster Season to Continue in Canada
Max Homa

Motivated for RBC Canadian Open
New York Knicks

Knicks Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau
Ludovit Klein

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 107
Mateusz Gamrot

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Ramiz Brahimaj

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Billy Ray Goff

Gets Submitted
Bruno Lopes

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Dustin Jacoby

Scores First-Round Knockout
Ketlen Vieira

Dominates at UFC Vegas 107
Macy Chiasson

Dominated At UFC Vegas 107
Duško Todorović

Dusko Todorovic Drops Three Fights in a Row
Zachary Reese

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joey Logano

Puts Together a Clean Race and Finishes In the Top Five At Nashville
William Byron

Steady Performance Earns Him a Top-Five Finish At Nashville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Finally Returns to the Top 10 At Nashville
Kyle Larson

Rollercoaster Day At Nashville Ends In the Top 10
Tyler Reddick

Makes A Top-10 Recovery At Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Denny Hamlin Factors for Nashville Win Until Ryan Blaney's Three-Wide Pass
Ryan Blaney

Joey Logano Runs Better Than Expected, Still No Match for Teammate Ryan Blaney
Erik Jones

Delivers Best Run Since 2022 at Nashville
Christopher Bell

Recovers From Stage 2 Crash to Finish 10th
Ross Chastain

Mildly Disappointing at Nashville but Still Runs Decently
Chase Briscoe

Dominates Early but Struggles in Traffic
Carson Hocevar

a Great DFS Option to Consider for Nashville Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Solid Value Option For Nashville DFS Lineups
Justin Haley

Should DFS Players Roster Justin Haley At Nashville?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Safe Value Play For Nashville DFS Lineups
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Nashville, Could Have to Miss Race
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF