Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, April 18, 2025. In today’s edition, Grayson Rodriguez suffered a major setback on Thursday, as a completely separate injury will sideline him indefinitely. Also, Nick Castellanos injured himself on Thursday, but the news may be good after all. FInally, Francsico Alvarez could be back sooner rather than later. All of this, plus so much more, in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Grayson Rodiguez – SP Baltimore Orioles
Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez (elbow/tricep) was scheduled to throw a bullpen session today but he was scratched with a new shoulder injury. He’s undergoing an MRI. pic.twitter.com/V0NJ2ko0XF
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) April 17, 2025
The news out of Baltimore was quite grim yesterday, as Grayson Rodrigiuez was unable to complete his latest bullpen session due to shoulder soreness. He had been throwing side sessions for quite a while, but had never taken the next step of progress, and was not throwing them close to each other. There was something peculiar about the situation, and the news here explains it. He will be heading for an MRI to determine the extent of the injury here, but it’s worth noting that this is a completely separate issue from his prior ailments. As such, the worry level is quite high given that piece of news and because of his injury history. There is a chance that he doesn’t throw a pitch at all this season, though that may be getting ahead of ourselves.
Philadelphia Phillies – Team Update
Thomson: Castellanos should be good to play Friday. Marsh is day to day, not considered an IL situation.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) April 17, 2025
Castellanos left the game early because of left hip flexor tightness, but the initial word is that he will return in time for Philadelphia’s next game. Stay tuned, as we may get new updates a day or two after the injury. As for Brandon Marsh, he is considered day-to-day with the intention of his returning this weekend.
Wyatt Langford – OF Texas Rangers
"Welcome back, Wyatt Langford!"
The @Rangers outfielder swats a solo homer in the first at-bat of his @RidersBaseball rehab assignment. pic.twitter.com/qwkP2doovz
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 18, 2025
Langford began his rehab assignment last night and did so in grand fashion. He is expected to return to the Rangers this weekend, and last night’s performance supports that.
Francisco Alvarez – C New York Mets
Francisco Alvarez (recovery from hamate bone surgery) could return this homestand. He's scheduled to catch back-to-back nine-inning games at Binghamton on Friday and Saturday.
If that goes well, Carlos Mendoza said, the Mets will have "a conversation."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 17, 2025
Despite his minor setback of being hit by a pitch earlier this week, Alvarez looks to be all but ready to return. The final hurdle for him will be to catch in back-to-back games, which is something he will need to do once he’s back here with the Mets. It doesn’t feel like that’s something that should trouble him, but time will tell. That being said, all signs are pointing to him being back early next week.
Frankie Montas – SP New York Mets
Frankie Montas (strained right lat) has been playing catch from 90 feet. He hopes to start throwing bullpen sessions in around two weeks.
No official timeline, but that schedule suggests he's still tracking for a return around very late May or early June.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 17, 2025
It looks like Montas is still at least one month away from returning, as when he does begin throwing, he will need to start from scratch and have a complete Spring Training overhaul. It’s a long way for him to return, but both he and the Mets seem confident that he can do it.
Kansas City Royals – Team Update
#Royals injury updates:
—Marsh (shoulder) will be re-evaluated Tues. Little bit past the 7-10 days he was initially shut down.
—Wright (hamstring/shoulder) schedule for 3 innings in AZ on Mon.
—Harvey (teres major) will be re-evaluated Tues. w/ the hope of beginning to throw.— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) April 17, 2025
Here’s a big Royals update on three pitchers. Of note, Alec Marsh will be evaluated soon, but it’s a bit concerning that he won’t be getting evaluated until after the initial shutdown time frame. It could mean nothing, or it could mean that his injury is worse than initially believed. As for Kyle Wright, he is slowly getting himself right, and throwing three innings will go a long way to prove that. He hasn’t pitched since 2023, and his multiple injuries may cost him two calendar years of lost time before he returns. Finally, we won’t know more about Hunter Harvey until after he’s evaluated this Tuesday. Stay tuned.
Masyn Winn – SS St. Louis Cardinals
Masyn Winn (back spasms) will start rehab assignment on Friday at Class AAA Memphis.
Puts him likely in Atlanta on Tuesday if it goes well. #stlcards
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) April 17, 2025
Since heading to the Injured List, Winn has steadily progressed and is now at the point of returning to in-game action. If all goes well this weekend, we could see him back with the Cardinals early next week. Great news for a potential breakout pick for many.
Spencer Horwitz – 1B Pittsburgh Pirates
Horwitz’s progress is something to monitor, as he could be ready to return in the next three weeks if all goes well. In the deepest of leagues, he’s worth stashing in the meantime if you have a roster spot open.
Christian-Encarnacion-Strand – 1B Cincinnati Reds
The #Reds today recalled from Triple-A Louisville IF Noelvi Marte and placed on the 10-day injured list IF Christian Encarnacion-Strand (low back inflammation).
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 17, 2025
Unfortunate news here for Encarnacion-Strand, as it is one injury after another for the promising slugger. If he continues to miss time, he may not have a spot in the Reds’ lineup, as they have options to replace him.
