Five Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball - Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3 (2025)


Jeff McNeil - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

We've got another edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series for Week 3 as we continue kicking off the 2025 season. Today's article looks at injured players like Max Scherzer, Tobias Myers, Zack Gelof, and more.

With 2025 fantasy baseball drafts concluding and the season getting 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 tons of value to fantasy managers, especially if they have an IL spot on their rosters.

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 3 of the fantasy baseball season has to offer.

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Lucas Giolito, SP, Boston Red Sox

Rostered: 5 percent Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late April

2023 Stats: 8-15/4.88 ERA/204 K/10 BB/184.1 IP

It is tough to find decent pitching on the waiver wire during the regular season, but Lucas Giolito might be just that this season. Although he has not pitched since 2023, he did post 204 strikeouts across 184.1 IP during that campaign.

While the 4.88 ERA leaves a bit to be desired, the strikeout upside cannot be ignored. He makes for a solid stash in most leagues and should make two more rehab starts before joining the Red Sox rotation.

 

Andrew Abbott, SP, Cincinnati Reds

Rostered: 4 percent Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-April

2024 Stats: 10-10/3.72 ERA/114 K/36 BB/138.0 IP

Andrew Abbott had a solid 2024 campaign for the Reds as he posted a 3.72 ERA across 138.0 IP. He also averaged over 5.1 IP per start, so you will be getting a bit of length from him upon his return as well.

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While he does not set the world on fire in terms of K rate, he did manage to strike out 114 batters in those 138.0 IP in 2024. He looks to join the Reds rotation very shortly as he threw 92 pitches in his most recent rehab start, so the time to add him is now.

 

Ha-Seong Kim, SS, Tampa Bay Rays

Rostered: 4 percent Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early May

2024 Stats: .233/.330/.370/11 HR/47 RBI/22 SB

Ha-Seong Kim has begun his stint with the Rays on the IL but should be looking to return in early May. He had respectable campaigns with the Padres dating back to 2021 and provides fantasy managers with solid value in terms of stolen bases and OBP.

Over the previous two seasons, Kim produced 60 stolen bases and 163 walks. While he is not going to be stellar in any one category, he will get everyday at-bats with the Rays and makes for a very nice bench option for fantasy managers looking for infield help.

 

Jeff McNeil, 2B/OF, New York Mets

Rostered: 3 percent Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early May

2024 Stats: .238/.308/.384/12 HR/44 RBI/5 SB

Jeff McNeil falls into the same mold as Ha-Seong Kim. He will not terrorize pitchers, but he should hit for a decent average, get on base regularly, and have the opportunity to produce and score runs in what is expected to be a potent Mets lineup.

McNeil should begin a rehab assignment later this week and is expected back in the lineup by the end of April, if not sooner.

 

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Brooks Lee, 2B/3B/SS, Minnesota Twins

Rostered: 3 percent Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late April

2024 Stats: .221/.265/.320/3 HR/27 RBI/3 SB

We are sticking with infielders in this article, as they are seemingly available in abundance on the waiver wire. Of the three infielders listed in this article, Lee might be my favorite one to add to your roster.

In 2024, Lee saw just 185 plate appearances for the Twins, but he managed to drive in 27 runs and collect 10 extra-base hits. He will not crush the ball, but he puts it into play, as noted by his 14.6 percent K rate in 2024.

The potential here to produce in a respectable Twins lineup is worth the add, and he should be able to return in the next week or two. 



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