Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Update. In today’s report, we see some big steps in the respective progress from both Shohei Ohtani and Felix Bautista, James Wood works out on the field, Zach Neto gets cleared to throw, and the Red Sox rotation already has some holes to fill. All of that and so much more in the latest MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report for February 25
Shohei Ohtani – UT/P Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani’s facing live pitching for the first time since shoulder surgery. pic.twitter.com/Z5m6Q1JauQ
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 23, 2025
This came one day after he threw a 25-pitch bullpen where different pitch types were thrown. It was a very productive weekend for the reigning MVP who continues to progress along at a rapid rate. He still has a ways to go, but the hope was that he would face live pitchers AND batters well before heading over to Japan, and now here we are. He also touched 95 miles per hour this weekend as well as a pitcher. It will be interesting to see what his next steps will be. Overall this doesn’t push up his timeline, but it does give confidence in him overcoming the odds of these injuries.
Bobby Miller – SP Los Angeles Dodgers
Scary moment as Bobby Miller just took a 106-mph line drive off the head
He was removed from the game but walked off under his own power
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) February 20, 2025
The most miraculous part of this entire ordeal is that days later, Miller was able to talk about the events with a straight, calm, and healthy face. He himself said that he has nothing more than a headache, which is tremendous news. There is no word on when he will pitch again, but from a humanity perspective, this is fantastic.
James Wood – OF Washington Nationals
James Wood just participated in an outfield drill that required players to lay down, then pop up and locate fly balls.
He was on a team with Daylen Lile, Stone Garrett and Andrew Pinckney. His team lost to Dylan Crews, Alex Call, Jacob Young and Robert Hassell III.
— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) February 23, 2025
Wood has been battling tendinitis in his right quad, but nothing seems to be too serious to warrant worry at this time. The team doesn’t seem concerned that he will miss any time, specifically as it pertains to Opening Day. They will take their time with him because he is a big part of their present and future. This is something to monitor going forward, but for now, continue drafting him as you have been doing. That being said, his inclusion in these drills is a sign in the right direction.
Boston Red Sox – Team Update
Cora on Bello: "I don’t think in a week (he'll be ready for games). He’s not even throwing bullpens." … Doesn't rule out Opening Day: "We’ll see how it goes next week."
On Crawford: "With Kutter, that’s the one it looks like is going to be long. Opening Day, right now, is an… https://t.co/NDs5iHWqJi
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 22, 2025
Just when it had appeared that the Red Sox were coming into the season with everything working, it looks like they might be missing two key pieces of their rotation early on. Brayan Bello was shut down recently with shoulder soreness, leading to some doubt about his Opening Day status. As someone who has dealt with injuries the past two seasons that have hindered his growth right out of the gate, he can ill afford to miss time yet again. As for Kutter Crawford, his return seems to be the one that will cost significant time, as his patellar tendon is sore. He has yet to ramp up, though he did throw a recent bullpen session. Both Bello and Crawford are important for a team looking to win a very competitive American League East.
Brandon Woodruff – SP Milwaukee Brewers
Brandon Woodruff’s second live BP yesterday was “a home run,” he said. Threw 26 pitches and touched 92 mph again. Recovered great. If the next few days go well, he could shave a day and go for 30+ pitches on Thursday. Timeline for games remains TBD.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) February 22, 2025
This is great news, as Woodruff’s first live bullpen session was seemingly a success. His pitch count and velocity were both where he and the team wanted him to be. The next step, as indicated, is a 30-plus pitch session that should take place this upcoming week. Keep in mind that the success rate of recovery from anterior capsule surgery is low, so expectations here should be minimal.
Felix Bautista – RP Baltimore Orioles
Felix Bautista threw live BP today. Another big step in progression #orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 23, 2025
Felix Bautista progressed his way to facing live batters this weekend, signifying a giant leap forward. Pitchers often view this as the final step needed before heading out to rehab assignments. However, with this being Spring Training, players would instead be inserted into the lineups. While doing it once is great, he will likely need to prove his health many times in these sorts of situations before moving forward into Spring Training games. It’s encouraging nonetheless that he is seemingly on the cusp of doing so. Just keep an eye on how he feels before his next live bullpen session.
Tyler Fitzgerlad – SS San Francisco Giants
Tyler Fitzgerald (back) is expected to be in games by the end of the week.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 23, 2025
Tyler Fitzgerald had missed some initial time earlier in the week, but it would appear that he looks ready to return. He has a clear shot to play this year with minimal competition, but getting on the field is a must. Hopefully, this is the first and only setback.
Heliot Ramos – OF San Francisco Giants
Heliot Ramos has a slight oblique strain. Keeping him out of the first few games, might be out a week or so.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 23, 2025
This is a friendly reminder that oblique injuries are tricky to monitor and heal, and they can be lengthy with respect to recovery time. Ramos missed two months of playing time in 2023 with an oblique injury, so he’s no stranger to this ailment.
Daulton Varsho – OF Toronto Blue Jays
.@KeeganMatheson says Daulton Varsho is "further along than expected" from his shoulder injury and has been facing live pitching. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/VxCEnDXAzJ
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 21, 2025
The initial news when the off-season began was that there were concerns that Varsho wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day. This report gives hope that those initial fears won’t come to fruition. Stay tuned.
Spencer Strider – SP Atlanta Braves
Strider is throwing a side with batters in the box. They aren’t swinging at pitches. He’s still not cleared for live BP. pic.twitter.com/ers4rsFWBD
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 21, 2025
Strider came away from this feeling better about himself and his progress. He was throwing a multitude of pitches and did so at a good velocity. The team is encouraged by his progress, but there has been no word of clearance for live BP. All that being said, he seems right in line with how he and the team believed he would be progressing. Look for him to start a Minor League rehab assignment once the season begins.
Zach Neto – SS Los Angeles Angels
Zach Neto (shoulder) is participating in infield drills at shortstop but is still only cleared to play catch and not throw across the diamond. He’s using a purple glove. pic.twitter.com/X8skN8d3qS
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) February 19, 2025
The good news here is that Neto has been cleared to take infield drills and play catch. Another report says that his level of catch clearance is up to 45 feet, which is a significant amount for an infielder. However, we don’t know what the injury is yet, what a timeline is and what he needs to do in order to progress even further. It’s a very frustrating injury to monitor.
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.
