Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report. In today’s edition, we delve into the major news from the past week. Pitchers and catchers have reported to camps, as well as some players, so the news is bountiful. Reporters can ask the questions we all want to know the answers to, making this the best time of the year to evaluate injuries. This week, we learned more about Ronald Acuna’s timeline and potential output, Christian Yelich’s back, how Shohei Ohtani will address his return to the mound, and so much more. Stick with the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for all of your fantasy baseball injury needs.
MLB Injury Report
Ronald Acuna Jr. – OF Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuna Jr. gave a fascinating interview over the weekend, in English, which opened the eyes of many for different reasons. Here are the main takeaways that need to be addressed. First and foremost, he stated that there is a good possibility he will not be running as much as we are used to seeing him run. With his return from a second ACL tear, it would appear that he will be more conservative on the base paths, and likely not taking advantage of situations like we’re used to seeing. He previously mentioned that after his first ACL tear, he never quite felt normal that first season back, and the results signaled that sentiment. Additionally, Acuna won’t be playing in any Grapefruit League games, though it was hinted that he could play in some Minor League scrimmages. These statements all mirror what was said earlier in the off-season about a more cautious approach to his return, making it difficult for those drafting now to trust him where he’s going in the second round.
Spencer Strider – SP Atlanta Braves
Good to see Spencer Strider throwing a bullpen pic.twitter.com/TLWRzyphxa
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) February 14, 2025
Spencer Strider threw yet another bullpen session, something he has been doing for quite a while. There have been no indications of a setback or a speed-up in his progression. He remains an option to throw in Minor League games once the regular season begins with the hope of him returning and debuting in May. His progress once the season begins will be one to monitor for velocity readings, control, and command.
Giancarlo Stanton – OF New York Yankees
Giancarlo Stanton will be slow-played during Spring Training because of discomfort in both elbows, which Aaron Boone likened to tennis elbow. Boone said it is an issue Stanton was dealing with last season, including the playoffs.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 16, 2025
Another year, another injury for Stanton, this time with his elbows. The fact that both of them are injured already, after a full off-season from which recovery time was present, is quite concerning. Now there are reports that he may not be ready for Opening Day, and his spot in the lineup is in jeopardy. This has a ripple effect, as his presence in the order could have given Aaron Judge some sort of reprieve. Instead, with a big bat gone, teams may be reluctant to attack Judge with pitches, giving way for more walks in his direction to go after whichever batter is next. This is pure speculation, but the fact is that the Yankees need his power.
Will Smith – C Los Angeles Dodgers
Will Smith is dealing with an ankle issue and “a little behind,” Dave Roberts said. He added that Smith has been running on an Alter-G treadmill.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 14, 2025
A minor setback here for Smith, who shouldn’t be too far behind in his progression. There was no word on whether his status for Opening Day was in trouble here, so the hope is that he just can’t get in as many at-bats this preseason as he would have liked.
Shohei Ohtani – SP/DH Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani threw 14 pitches in his bullpen today. All four-seamers and two-seamers. Was up to 92-94 mph, which Dave Roberts said is “great” for a first bullpen of spring https://t.co/Mmz76f7WlM
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 15, 2025
Ohtani’s planned bullpen sessions went smoothly here, as he was able to throw fastballs at a reasonable velocity for his progress. There was no word on when his next sessions would be, but they should come soon, possibly even early in the week. Manager Dave Roberts also stated that there is a chance that Ohtani would face hitters by the time the team leaves for their trip to Japan. That timeline is by no means set in stone, but it’s also an attainable goal.
New York Mets – Team Update
Updates on Francisco Lindor's back injury & Kodai Senga threw live BP. @NYPost_Mets has the latest report from Port St. Lucie ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IMc87GDejp
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) February 15, 2025
If anyone had doubts about the health of Francisco Lindor, it would appear that those should go to the wayside after these comments. Lindor remains a first-round stalwart. As for Kodai Senga, this was great news for someone who missed most of 2024 with various injuries and setbacks. However, there are things to consider here. First, his workload is nowhere near what it will be in-season. Secondly, this was just his first session, with many to go, and while it’s a good beginning, it will be interesting to see him do it again with a wide arsenal of pitches. Finally, his ability to heal, bounce back, and build on this was in question after a year of setbacks. He will need to return and not just do it again, but improve his workload. A lot of questions and roadblocks await, so seeing him handle them with ease is a must. That said, it’s a great start.
Joe Ryan – SP Minnesota Twins
Joe Ryan hit 92 mph during his live BP today, which was his personal goal. Worked on all his pitches, continues to be very pleased with his progress. Here’s video of him facing Trevor Larnach. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/MqT4j8wTjZ
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 16, 2025
There were reports earlier in the winter that Joe Ryan was close to or at 100% health, and this weekend’s outing looks to be proof of that. His Grade 2 teres major strain looks to be fully healed, as the imaging indicated, and reaching his personal goal of throwing BP at that velocity is comforting. It’s understandable if there is some hesitation from the drafting community, but as a team’s SP3, the price seems right for a bounce-back season.
Jacob deGrom – SP Texas Rangers
Jacob deGrom throwing his first bullpen since the start of camp pic.twitter.com/kjd6NhAVq6
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) February 15, 2025
This was a nice first step for deGrom, who is working his way back into a full starter’s workload in 2025. A reminder that when the off-season began, the team said that they would work alongside the ace to develop a plan for the season based on how he felt. If the past is any indication, Jacob deGrom will want to be out there as much as possible and will push the limits of how far he can go. The hope is that whatever path they choose, it allows them to play for and in the playoffs. He is an important piece of their success.
Christian Yelich – OF Milwaukee Brewers
Christian Yelich is in camp and says his rehab is on schedule. There’s no reason, he said, to think he won’t be ready for Opening Day.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) February 15, 2025
This news contradicts what we read earlier in the month about the team being worried that Yelich wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day. Chances are we will see many reports from both sides of the fence, but either way, it would appear that he’s close to a return. Fantasy owners would be wise to wonder how major back surgery will affect and change his output this season, as that is by no means a minor issue. The only comfort is the fact that he has succeeded with a bad back before. Stay tuned.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.
