We are officially at the halfway point of the 2025 MLB season, and just like every year, I learned a lot.
- Never fade Cal Raleigh.
- No matter how minor it seems, fade pitchers with preseason upper-body injuries. Elbow, shoulder, lat…doesn’t matter.
- Pulled-air percentage matters.
- Wyatt Langford’s breakout is a figment of our collective imagination (jk, it’s actually Jasson Dominguez).
- Michael Harris II probably peaked in his rookie season. Fade expensive guys who come out of nowhere like that.
Anyway, if there were any injuries missed, feel free to yell at me in the comments or on Twitter/X @RotoSurgeon.
Injuries to Monitor
Bryce Harper (1B, PHI) Wrist
The Phillies are preparing for Bryce Harper to return early next week, and my fantasy teams are ready. Harper has missed the past three weeks due to wrist inflammation but appears ready to face the Marlins at home. While we do not know whether that will be Monday or Tuesday yet, the worst is hopefully over with his nagging wrist.
Harper’s power has been mediocre thus far in 2025 (lowest SLG since 2017,) but at least his underlying stats are positive. Assume that Harper is close to 100% upon return and comfortably slot him back in your lineups.
Wyatt Langford (OF, TEX) Oblique
I hate being such a shmuck for top prospects like Langford; elite minor-league production and all-around production potential that is hampered by a mediocre offensive environment between his park and team. Also, Langford is now on his *third* oblique injury of the season??
This most recent injury is deemed “minor” but the fact that this has reoccurred is worthy of extreme concern. Langford’s .232 average and .421 slugging percentage are pedestrian, and the expected data is not much better. He could be even worse upon return from this new injury, and that fact alone makes him droppable in shallower leagues. Leagues with 12 or more managers should retain him on IL given the “upside” but if your IL is full, dropping is warranted.
Hunter Goodman (C, COL) Hamstring
Hunter Goodman’s breakout season is on pause after missing multiple games this week due to hamstring tightness. Hamstring issues are always frustrating due to their nagging nature. If Goodman is not careful while ramping up, he could further aggravate the injury and be placed on the injured list.
Playing catcher takes a massive toll on the body, but due to Goodman’s bat, he could take a week or two off from catching and strictly DH (which would not be bad at all for fantasy). Fingers crossed that this is just a blip.
Adley Rutschman (C, BAL) Oblique
The former first-overall pick is shelved until after the All-Star break with a minor oblique injury. Baltimore wants to give Rutschman ample time to recover and not have a Langford situation on their hands (my words, not theirs). This break is much needed for the star catcher, who is struggling this season despite the Orioles’ home park playing more offensively. Camden Yards leads the majors in home run park factor by a significant margin, yet Rutschman’s only hit eight in 68 games.
Meanwhile, backup catcher Gary Sanchez has four in 24 games and is hitting well in Rutschman’s absence. If you need a replacement in deeper leagues or those with two catchers, Sanchez should be considered.
Jordan Westburg (2B, BAL) Hand
Jordan Westburg’s hand is irritating him once again, and he is missing games over the weekend. He suffered a left index finger, which is a reaggravation of an issue he had last week. The hope is for some extra time off to help him recover, but an IL stint is not ruled out. This season has been frustrating for Westburg, but the Orioles’ 2B is too talented to move on from just yet, despite a low batting average.
Corbin Carroll (OF, ARI) Wrist
The Diamondbacks’ star outfielder will be sidelined for at least the next month (likely at least two months) due to a fractured left wrist. Carroll nearly matched his 2024 home run total and was pacing toward a 40-HR season before the injury, but is unlikely to crack 30 going forward.
With the season halfway over and the severity of this injury, dropping Carroll is warranted if you are short on IL spots and/or struggling to win weeks in fantasy baseball.
Zach Neto (SS, LAA) Shoulder
The Angels’ shortstop is missing games over the weekend after injuring his surgically repaired right shoulder. He claims that he is “ready to go” but the Angels continue to hold him out as a precaution. Neto underwent an MRI, which revealed no structural damage, yet it would not be surprising if Neto struggled for a week upon return after another issue in that shoulder. There is nothing to do but wait and see,e given how valuable he has been this season.
Luis Robert (OF, CHW) Hamstring
Bad news: Luis Robert is dealing with a hamstring injury and missing games.
Good news: Your batting average is increasing exponentially if he is on your roster.
Chicago’s electric outfielder is having an awful season at the plate. Even with 22 stolen bases through 73 games, his offensive stats are so bad that dropping him is not crazy! Although I would not advise that, given the trade possibility and potential regression given expected stats, an injury is the last thing he needs. Robert is an enigma yearly, but it is hard to blame anyone who struggles on the White Sox quagmire of an offense.
