X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Five Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball - Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12 (2025)

Wilyer Abreu - Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Draft Sleepers, MLB Rookies, Waiver Wire Rankings

Kipp highlights five injured fantasy baseball players worth stashing in redraft leagues, as of June 13, 2025 (Week 12). His waiver wire pickups for IL players.

We've got another edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series for Week 12 as we continue the 2025 season. Today's article examines injured players, including Yimi Garcia, Wilyer Abreu, and Ezequiel Tovar, among others.

With the 2025 fantasy baseball season well underway, several injured players who are out there 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 12 of the fantasy baseball season has to offer.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Max Scherzer, SP, Toronto Blue Jays

Rostered: 32% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late June

2024 Stats: 2-4/3.95 ERA/40 K/10 BB/43 1/3 IP

Max Scherzer has been on the IL since his first start on March 29 with a thumb injury and is now finally set to make a rehab start. He will likely return at the end of the month and could provide a ton of value to fantasy managers willing to take a chance on him. The fact that the former Cy Young winner is only rostered in 32% of Yahoo leagues is also quite surprising.

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.

 

Yimi Garcia, RP, Toronto Blue Jays

Rostered: 6% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late June

2025 Stats: 3.15 ERA/24 K/10 BB/20 IP

Yimi Garcia went on the IL late last month with shoulder fatigue and should return to the Blue Jays' bullpen later this month. While Garcia walked 10 in his first 20 innings pitched this season, this is not what we would typically expect from him. Additionally, he has plenty to offer fantasy managers upon his return.

Thus far in 2025, Garcia has posted a solid 3.15 ERA and 24 strikeouts across his 20.0 IP. The strikeouts are especially nice and should come as no surprise, as he has also posted a very respectable 12.4% SwStr%, ranking him in the 57th percentile of the league.

Garcia can provide fantasy managers a ton of value in leagues that reward saves, holds, or a combination of the two. He racked up a solid 14 combined saves + holds in just 21 games. Feel free to add him in any leagues where relief pitching is at a premium and you can afford to wait a couple of weeks to have him back.

 

Wilyer Abreu, OF, Boston Red Sox

Rostered: 60% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late June

2025 Stats: .245/.321/.471/13 HRs/32 RBI/24 BB/4 SBs

Wilyer Abreu most likely will not make this article a second time, as he is already 60% rostered in Yahoo leagues, so I wanted to make sure I got him in here this week. He is on the IL due to an oblique, which is something you never want to hear, but he is expected to miss the minimum amount of time.

Abreu has started the season where he left off in 2024, smacked 13 home runs, and driven in 32 runs. He has been hitting the ball hard, as noted by his 31.9% hard hit rate, which ranks him in the 84th percentile of the league. He also posted an average exit velocity north of 91 mph, so we know the power is real.

He is especially valuable against right-handed pitching as he has posted an OPS north of .825 in each of the previous two seasons. Add him in any leagues where he may have been dropped. He can slot into your lineup as a fourth outfielder immediately in most leagues.

 

Ezequiel Tovar, SS, Colorado Rockies

Rostered: 51% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late June

2025 Stats: .258/.406/.348/3 HR/10RBI/2 SB

Esequiel Tovar just went on the IL retroactive to June 3 with, you guessed it, an oblique issue. While this is not the best news, he has gotten off to a solid start in the Rockies' lineup and is one of the few bright spots on the team.

He has posted a solid 35% hard hit rate to begin 2025, which ranks him in the 66th percentile of the league. He has also posted an average exit velocity of 90.3 mph, which ranks him in the 77th percentile. While he has only posted a .258 average, his expected average is over .300.

We also must not forget that Tovar plays in Coors Field, which is always beneficial to the hitter. Look to add him in leagues where you need SS depth.

 

Daulton Varsho, OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Rostered: 10% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-June

2025 stats: .207/.240/.543/8 HR/20 RBI/1 SB

We will run Dalton Varsho back in this week's article, as he is still rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues. Varsho has begun swinging in the cages; however, he has not yet been cleared to run. Hitting in the cages is a positive sign, and it is only a matter of time before running drills begin, followed by what is likely a short rehab assignment.

The metrics have been solid as he has posted a 35.9% hard hit rate, which ranks in the 73rd percentile of the league. He has performed surprisingly well against right-handed pitching this season, as noted by his .925 OPS. This is atypical of Varsho, as he is typically known for hitting left-handers harder. This could be a new approach and makes him more valuable than he otherwise could have been.

Snag Varsho if you need an extra outfielder and have the roster construction to allow him to enter your roster.

More Fantasy Baseball Analysis



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!






POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Kyren Williams

Rams Not Willing to Pay Kyren Williams Top-Market Money?
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Christian Kirk

the No. 2 WR in Houston?
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Jerome Ford

the Likely Starter for Cleveland to Begin 2025
Chig Okonkwo

"Poised" for Best Season of Career
Xavier Watts

Falcons High on Xavier Watts
Xavier Restrepo

Training With Star Wideouts
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Tristan Wirfs

Undergoes Knee Surgery, Likely to Miss Start of Season
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic to Delay Extension Talks Until 2026
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Jacob Wilson

Exits Early On Tuesday With Left Hand Contusion
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
Laken Tomlinson

Confident in Texans Offensive Line
J.K. Dobbins

the Starter in Denver?
JT Woods

Seahawks Release JT Woods
Darren Waller

Trade to Miami Becomes Official
Asante Samuel Jr.

Dolphins Interested in Asante Samuel Jr.
Nyheim Hines

Seeking Return to NFL
Dak Prescott

Expects to be Full-Go for Training Camp
Ajay Mitchell

Posts 16 Points in Summer League Win on Monday
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Waived by Bucks
Luis Garcia

Fans Four in Rehab Outing
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Anthony Santander

Hoping to Hit Soon
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning in Short Order
Alex Bregman

Could Return Later This Week
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF