Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, May 2, 2025. In today’s edition, the Diamondbacks have quite a depleted bullpen now with their two top options out of action. Also, Mike Trout will miss at least ten days with a knee injury, but who’s to say it won’t be longer? Finally, could we see Jackson Merrill returning sooner, rather than later? All of that and so much more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Mike Trout – OF Los Angeles Angels
Mike Trout had two meniscus tears in different parts of his left knee last year, requiring two surgeries. Tonight, Angels manager Ron Washington told reporters he now has a bone bruise on that knee, which can be caused by repetitive strain and arthritis, not just trauma.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) May 2, 2025
Bone bruises, anywhere on the body, can be quite painful. Trout has one on his surgically repaired knee, which, as mentioned, was caused by repetitive strain and arthritis. The hope was that placing Trout in a corner outfield spot, he would be forced to run around less often than he would have in center field. He has played in 29 games, the same amount before last year’s injury, which caused him to miss the rest of the season. While this one doesn’t seem as significant, there’s always a chance with him that this is quite extensive in length, causing him to miss extensive time. He has developed into quite the slow healer in his advanced age, and his return will be based on his pain tolerance. The good news is that there is no structural damage. Overall, this injury is quite the bummer because his return was a feel-good story.
San Diego Padres – Team Update
Mike Shildt says Jake Cronenworth leaves for AZ today. Jackson Merrill trending to return on road trip. 6 at-bats yesterday, doubled and tripled and played centerfield
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) April 30, 2025
Jake Cronenworth has been taking live at-bats lately, which is quite a progression for him. He had previously been progressing quite slowly due to his ribs being quite tender and the team not wanting him to get injured. As for Jackson Merrill, the team has been keeping an eye on his hamstring. The Padres have been wanting him to take things slowly, not wanting him to over-extend himself, collide with anything or any person, or do too much stretching. They have been extra cautious with his growth, always “trying to get ahead of it” so that the absence isn’t longer than it should have been. He hasn’t played since April 7, and while we are bordering on one month away, it’s interesting to note that the team hasn’t considered a rehab assignment as part of his development.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Team Update
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/Z2dC2YKjLd
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 1, 2025
With both Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk on the Injured List with what could be significant injuries, the team turned to Shelby Miller yesterday for the closer’s role, and he delivered with a save. It remains to be seen if that will continue, but for now, it seems like he’s the guy to get. As for Martinez and Puk, it might be a while before we see either of them back on the mound for the Diamondbacks.
Ivan Herrera – C St. Louis Cardinals
HERRERA HITS @HueysRestaurant HOMERS pic.twitter.com/GQOW90wcLm
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 1, 2025
Herrera looked good during this at-bat in his rehab outing, as his bat has tantalizing power from the catcher position. It’s been noted, mind you, that he will need to catch on back-to-back days before he returns, which also speaks well for the potential playing time boost he will receive once healthy. He’s almost there, and fantasy owners should be prepared to activate him soon.
Salvador Perez – C Kansas City Royals
It's left hip soreness for Salvador Perez, per the #Royals.
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) May 1, 2025
Perez injured himself while rounding first base when he hit a double in yesterday’s contest. He remains day-to-day, but was on record saying that he already felt better than he did during the game. He’s typically a fast healer, so there’s a significant chance that he is in the lineup for today’s game, likely as the designated hitter. If not today, then probably by tomorrow.
Gleyber Torres – 2B Detroit Tigers
AJ Hinch said Gleyber Torres' hammy was feeling a little tight and he removed him for precautionary reasons. Torres' wasn't going to start Friday. No tests were done.
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) May 2, 2025
Torres was removed last night and was going to receive today off regardless of the injury. With no tests scheduled (yet), he may return to the lineup on Saturday. Still, the day after an injury is always a peculiar one, as sleep and rest can lead to either the injury disappearing altogether or having it get more strenuous. Time will tell, but this doesn’t seem too serious if tests haven’t been scheduled.
Kristian Campbell – 2B Boston Red Sox
"Day to day. He felt it stretching today, so we decided to shut him down." — Alex Cora, on Kristian Campbell's sore right rib discomfort.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) May 2, 2025
Campbell injured himself while further while stretching on Thursday. He alerted the team, and the decision was made to have him sit out and rest, which is likely the best choice to make. Whether or not he returns this weekend remains to be seen, as rib injuries are not only a pain tolerance issue, but they can be easily aggravated with physical contact. All it takes is for Campbell to inadvertently collide with someone, all on it, or have an awkward slide. Consider him day-to-day, with the possibility of his returning at any time.
Walker Buehler – SP Boston Red Sox
Walker Buehler didn’t bounce back well (shoulder) from his start and is back in Boston for testing
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) May 1, 2025
This isn’t nothing, as Buehler didn’t recover as well as everyone had hoped he would. While the team doesn’t feel this is a significant injury, the Red Sox haven’t ruled out a short trip to the Injured List here. Since surrendering nine earned runs in his first two games, he has given up seven in his last four. His arm creates an opening in the Boston rotation, which has yet to be filled. Stay tuned.
