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When will Acuna Jr., Merrill, and McLain return and play? Will Acuna Jr., Merrill, and McLain be back again this season? Read the latest fantasy baseball injury updates and return date for Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season.
Week 3 of the MLB season is underway, and injuries have already begun to pile up. Fantasy managers may already find their injured reserve spots full and have to start looking for alternative options on the waiver wire.
In this piece, we will analyze the latest injury updates on Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, and Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Matt McLain.
Should fantasy managers continue to hold these players on their roster, or will they face an extended absence? Let's dive in!
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Ronald Acuna Jr. Injury Update For Fantasy Baseball
The 2023 NL MVP saw his 2024 campaign cut short quite early when he suffered a torn ACL in late May. This was his second torn ACL in the past three seasons, which caused his draft stock to fall leading up to the 2025 campaign.
Before spring training, the team made it clear the star outfielder was not in contention to make the Opening Day roster. However, reports suggested that Acuna may not miss too much time in 2025.
The 27-year-old flashed his raw power during spring batting practice. His manager, Brian Snitker, noted that, "He's probably as strong as he's ever been."
Ronald Acuña Jr. taking some batting practice with a brace on his knee. #Braves pic.twitter.com/QNGCDqrO5I
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) February 12, 2025
Once the season began, the Braves placed the superstar outfielder on the 10-day injured list. Throughout the early part of the season, there were not many updates on Acuna, which was a good sign as he faced no setbacks.
On Tuesday, Acuna received some positive news: He was officially cleared to ramp up his baseball activities, opening the door for an early rehab assignment. While the team did not provide a definitive timetable, his projected return date of May seems to remain the target.
Ronald Acuña Jr. was cleared to ramp up activity and begin progressing toward a rehab assignment. No timetable, but seems like he’s on schedule to return at some point in the next month, as we’d originally thought.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 15, 2025
Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be cleared to embark on a rehab assignment in the coming weeks.
When he returns to action, he will be viewed as a must-start option in all formats. In 2023, Acuna was the most valuable player in fantasy, posting a .337/.416/.596 slash line with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. During this season, he tallied 149 runs with 106 RBI.
During his brief 2024 campaign, he had a .250/.351/.365 line with four home runs and 16 stolen bases. He generated a strong .350 xwOBA and a 92.2 mph average exit velocity, which suggested he was due for some significant positive regression.
While the Braves may opt for Acuna to run less to ensure he stays healthy, he will still carry elite five-category upside as soon as he rejoins the starting nine.
Jackson Merrill Injury Update For Fantasy Baseball
After an impressive rookie season, Jackson Merrill wasted little time during his sophomore season to flash elite potential. Through the first 10 games of the 2025 campaign, Merrill looked like a bona fide No. 1 OF as he posted a .378/.415/.676 slash line with three home runs and one stolen base. As a rookie last summer, Merrill held a .292/.326/.500 lines with 24 home runs and 16 steals.
However, the former top prospect was placed on the 10-day IL on April 8 due to a hamstring injury. Before officially hitting the IL, Merrill was kept out of the starting nine for several days. While he has been sidelined, Tyler Wade and Connor Joe have seen time in center field.
On Tuesday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reported that Merrill is "slowly" ramping up his baseball activities. He was able to participate in batting practice and do some bunting drills. However, he has not been cleared to run.
Updates:
-Merrill is slowly ramping up to baseball activity. He was on the field for early BP and did some bunting. No running yet.
-Darvish played catch off the mound; no date set for his first true bullpen.
-Hoeing threw another 'pen today, his first with breaking pitches.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) April 15, 2025
While this is not positive news, it is a good sign that the 21-year-old has not faced any significant setbacks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress, but it appears he will remain on the IL for some time.
Shortly before hitting the IL, the Padres signed the former 27th overall pick to a massive nine-year, $135 million extension, cementing him as their everyday center fielder for the next decade.
When he does return, Merrill will continue to carry high-end No. 2 OF upside in all formats. Given his ability to steal bases, he will hold even more value in category leagues.
Matt McLain Injury Update For Fantasy Baseball
After a strong rookie campaign in 2023, during which the former 17th overall pick posted a strong .290/.357/.507 line with 16 home runs and 14 stolen bases, Matt McLain was unable to take the field in 2024 after suffering a torn labrum in his shoulder. He later suffered a stress reaction in his rib cage, which kept him on the shelf.
However, McLain did not face any restrictions and was cleared to start on Opening Day. After posting a .300 AVG over his first five games, McLain hit a three-game slump before suffering a hamstring strain.
He was shifted to the 10-day IL. However, at the time of the injury, reports suggested the 25-year-old would likely spend the minimum time on the IL before being cleared for action.
Terry Francona said he’s pretty confident McLain will return on Tuesday. Diaz will throw back to backs over the next two days in Triple-A. Spencer Steer will take his throwing work to the next step and start working on throws from first over the next few days.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 11, 2025
That happened precisely, as the infielder was activated off the IL before Tuesday's contest against the Seattle Mariners. McLain did not need to participate in a rehab assignment before returning. He rejoined the starting nine on Tuesday, batted second, and covered the keystone.
The #Reds today announced the following transactions: pic.twitter.com/jJGh1mW9bZ
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 15, 2025
Fantasy managers should expect the UCLA product to remain Cincinnati's everyday second baseman for the remainder of the campaign. He could occasionally see time in the outfield, as he took reps there during the Arizona Fall League.
Fantasy managers should view McLain as a solid option in all formats. He possesses a high floor in category leagues given his ability to hit for power and steal bases.
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