When will Alvarez, King, and Gilbert return and play? Will Alvarez, King, and Gilbert be back again this season? Read the latest fantasy baseball injury updates and return date for Week 10 of the 2025 MLB season.
As we approach the start of June, fantasy managers have already begun to search the waiver wire for several injury replacements. Many high-end fantasy players are currently on the injured list, which has left many managers scrambling to find replacements.
In this piece, we will analyze the latest injury update for Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (hand), San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (shoulder), and Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (elbow).
When should fantasy managers expect these high-end stars to return to the field? Should they begin to look for long-term replacements? Let's dive in!
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Yordan Alvarez Injury Update For Fantasy Baseball
Alvarez was a consensus first-round pick in all formats entering the season. Alvarez dealt with a knee injury towards the end of the 2024 campaign but still appeared in a career-high 147 games. During the season, the slugger posted a stellar .308/.392/.567 line with 34 doubles and 35 long balls.
However, his 2025 season has not started as well as fantasy managers would hope. Through his first 29 games, the 27-year-old has posted a disappointing .210/.306/.340 line with just three home runs.
On May 5, the 27-year-old hit the 10-day injured list with hand inflammation.
The Astros placed Yordan Alvarez on the IL with right hand inflammation, they announced. Catcher César Salazar called up from Triple-A in a corresponding move.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) May 5, 2025
However, this injury was not considered serious at the time, as Alvarez was already seen swinging in the batter's cage later that week, suggesting he would have a brief stint on the IL. On May 18, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that this hand injury was beginning to linger and he would have to remain sidelined for the time being.
Is this going slower than anticipated?
Joe Espada: "I just want to make sure it's completely goes away. We don't want to go back to where, if he feels something again, we have to re-start the whole process again."
Still feeling it?
"It's there, but every day feels better." https://t.co/K3EncbZPj9
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 18, 2025
On May 30, Alvarez took a significant step forward by taking live batting practice. This was one of the final steps in his progression and kept the door open for a return in early June. However, he would face yet another setback the following day. On May 31, the team announced that Alvaraez underwent imaging on his hand, which revealed a fracture.
Yordan Alvarez had more imaging done yesterday and it revealed a fracture that is 60% healed. He will be shut down from hitting.
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) May 31, 2025
While the fracture is already 60 percent healed, the slugger will be shut down from hitting until it is fully healed. As a result, fantasy managers should not expect Alvarez back in action for at least the next week, and potentially longer.
While the 27-year-old is looking like a nearly-season bust, fantasy managers should not look to sell and continue to stash him on their roster. If an opposing manager is considering moving Alvarez, you should jump on that offer.
While his modest stat line is not overwhelming, under the hood, he boasts a .363 xwOBA with a 94.0 mhp average exit velocity and 76.6 mph bat speed. These elite metrics suggest Alvarez will return to form when he returns to the lineup.
Yordan Alvarez 117 MPH home run! pic.twitter.com/g90g5o5xGX
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 7, 2024
Once activated, he will carry top-10 OF upside for the remainder of the season.
Michael King Injury Update For Fantasy Baseball
After a breakout 2024 campaign, King looked the part through his first 55 2/3 innings this season. The right-hander posted a strong 2.59 ERA with a stellar 1.02 WHIP through this stretch. He struck out 64 batters while allowing walks at a 7.6% rate (60th percentile).
However, on May 24, King was scratched from his scheduled start due to right shoulder stiffness.
RHP Michael King has been scratched from today’s game with right shoulder stiffness. RHP Sean Reynolds will be the starting pitcher.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 24, 2025
A day later, the Padres moved King to the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
However, just a week later, King had already begun to take strides in his recovery. On June 2, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported that the 30-year-old right-hander had already begun playing light catch, improving his recovery. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be cleared to take the next step in his progression in the coming weeks.
While King remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Stephen Kolek and Randy Vasquez to continue to see turns in the starting rotation.
King remains a must-stash player in all leagues. Under the hood, the right-hander has generated a stellar 2.97 xERA (82nd percentile) with a .208 xBA (87th percentile). HE has struck out batters at a 28.4% rate and whiffs at a 27.8% rate, which are both well above the average marks.
When he returns, King will carry high-end SP2 upside.
Logan Gilbert Injury Update For Fantasy Baseball
The final player we will analyze is Logan Gilbert. Gilbert was enjoying a fantastic start to the campaign and looked like the early-season AL Cy Young. Through his first 30 1/3 frames, the right-hander posted a 2.37 ERA with an incredible 0.79 WHIP. He struck out batters at a 37.6% rate, 10 points higher than his 2024 mark.
He also showed elite control, allowing free passes at a 5.1% rate.
However, on April 26, Gilbert hit the 15-day injured list with a right elbow flexor strain. On May 13, Gilbert was cleared to begin his build-up process. He threw a side session and was able to throw around 25 pitches.
Logan Gilbert threw about 25 pitches in his first full-fledged bullpen this afternoon. He ramped up the intensity for his final handful of throws and hit 94+ mph … with no discomfort, he said.
An important step forward for the M’s ace.
— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) May 13, 2025
Then, on May 24, Gilbert completed a simulated game without facing any setbacks. After the session, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com noted that Gilbert would likely need several rehab starts to increase his workload.
On May 29, Gilbert was given the green light to join Triple-A Tacoma for his first of several rehab appearances. In his first outing, the right-hander tossed 1 2/3 innings and allowed one run, two hits, two walks, and struck out three. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his progression as he could return to Seattle after a few more outings.
When he does return, he will carry high-end SP1 upside. In 2024, Gilbert was one of the most valuable pitchers in fantasy, as he logged 208 2/3 frames to the tune of a 3.23 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP. While he remains out for the time being, Emerson Hancock will remain in the rotation. However, he will likely be sent to Triple-A or shifted to a long relief role once Gilbert returns.
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