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Kipp highlights five injured fantasy baseball players worth stashing in redraft leagues, as of May 2, 2025 (Week 6). His waiver wire pickups for IL players.
We've got another edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series for Week 6 as we continue the 2025 season. Today's article examines injured players, including Max Scherzer, Willi Castro, and David Fry, among others.
With the 2025 fantasy baseball season underway, there are several injured players out there who have low roster percentages and may be available on your league's waiver wires. These players can provide significant value to fantasy managers, especially if they have an IL spot available on their roster.
This article will be featured weekly with updated players for fantasy managers to consider picking up and stashing off the waiver wire. Without further ado, let's look at what Week 6 of the fantasy baseball season has to offer.
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Jared Jones SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Rostered: 50% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early July
2024 Stats: 4.14 ERA/131 K/39 BB/120 2/3 IP
Jones is making his second consecutive appearance in this article, as he currently sits as the pitcher with the most upside on the IL, in my humble opinion. He has also made progress in the last week, as he has now been cleared to begin a throwing program and is expected to eventually return to the Pirates rotation in early July.
Again, this is a claim for fantasy managers who have a roster spot available and/or an IL spot open, as Jones is not expected to return until early July. That being said, he can have a significant impact on fantasy teams down the stretch later this season.
In 2024, Jones averaged over a strikeout per inning pitched and also managed a respectable ERA for a rookie, at 4.14. He was also able to maintain some length, averaging nearly five 2/3 innings pitched per start.
Jones is especially valuable when he pitches in PNC Park as well. This is noted by the fact that he posted a 2.87 ERA and 9.5 K/9 across his 69 IP at home.
Again, add Jones if you have available roster space or an IL spot to use in the coming weeks, because as we get closer to July, his roster percentage will only increase above its current 50 percent.
Max Scherzer, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Rostered: 6% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-May
2024 Stats: 2-4/3.95 ERA/40 K/10 BB/43 1/3 IP
We have another pitcher making a repeat appearance in this article with Max Scherzer. Scherzer is in the process of completing several bullpen sessions, likely coming on the front end of a rehab assignment. He is likely to return near the middle to the end of this month, which means the time to add him is winding down, as he will almost certainly see a jump in rostership upon his activation.
While he did not have a superb 2024 season due to injury, he still managed to strike out 40 batters across 40 1/3 IP. He will immediately slot into the Blue Jays rotation upon his return, of course. If he can find anything remotely close to his former self, this is a solid addition to your roster.
If he struggles, he won't cost much aside from a waiver add. There are obvious concerns here with his age, but the upside could still be there for Scherzer.
Max Scherzer's mound session Wednesday went "fairly well," per Blue Jays manager John Schneider:
"He's definitely making progress. The last two times off the mound, the feedback has been a lot better."
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) April 30, 2025
Willi Castro, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Minnesota Twins
Rostered: 34% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early May
2025 Stats: .227/.292/.364/1 HR/5 RBI/1 SB
The Minnesota Twins could really use the services of Willi Castro back in their lineup as they have struggled offensively thus far in 2025. They should not have to wait long, as Castro is expected to return early in May and is first eligible to be activated on May 1.
Castro had a solid 2024 campaign, hitting .247 with 12 home runs and 60 RBI. He also managed to swipe 14 bags and was on base at a .331 clip. Castro is especially valuable in Yahoo! leagues where he has eligibility within the infield and outfield.
He is also valuable when platooned with a solid left-handed bat. This is noted by the fact that he has posted a .753 OPS with 17 home runs against right-handed pitching since 2023. Look to add him if you need depth at multiple positions in the coming days.
David Fry, C/1B/OF, Cleveland Guardians
Rostered: 6% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late May
2024 Stats: .263/.356/.448/14 HR/51 RBI/42 BB
This might be my favorite injured player to add in this week's article, but I'm biased since I root for the Guardians. David Fry was an extremely valuable bat in the Guardians' lineup in 2024, even though he was limited to DH duties due to an elbow injury.
This elbow injury caused him to undergo Tommy John surgery this offseason, and it will once again limit him to DH duties in 2025. However, he is eligible for multiple positions in Yahoo! leagues, including catcher.
He derives an immense amount of value out of being catcher eligible, which is why he is definitely worth the addition in the coming weeks. He is nearing action in Arizona and should be able to return by the end of May or early June.
In 2024, Fry managed to hit well against left-handed pitching, as noted by his .996 OPS and nine home runs. He is a must-add, in my opinion, and I'll be looking to scoop him up once he gets going in Arizona.
David Fry has seven homers, 18 RBI and 18 runs scored in his last 18 games. pic.twitter.com/I5ctkyPQOR
— MLB (@MLB) June 1, 2024
Lane Thomas, OF, Cleveland Guardians
Rostered: 32% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early May
2024 Stats: .237/.309/.400/15 HR/63 RBI/32 SB
Although we have another Guardian on the list today, I promise not to gush over him like David Fry above. That being said, Lane Thomas could be a sneaky add for fantasy managers upon his return. Thomas is currently rostered in only 32 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but he was drafted in nearly 80 percent of leagues, so you can see where his value was at just a month ago.
He is capable of a bit of power and plenty of speed, as noted by his 32 stolen bases in 2024. He is also coming off a wrist bruise this season, which should mean he will be fully healthy by the time he returns. His value also comes against left-handed pitching, as noted by his .981 OPS against southpaws since 2023.
Look to add Thomas if you need outfield depth. He should be able to provide decent returns once he is reinstated in the Guardians' lineup. He will also likely bat in the middle of this lineup as well, given their lack of depth in the hitting department.
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