Throughout the entire 2025 Major League Baseball season, I’ll have you covered here at Fantasy Alarm with the fantasy baseball injury report. Each Friday, we’ll do a look around the league for notable updates regarding MLB injuries and how they impact your fantasy baseball teams. The fantasy baseball injury update this week features updates on Adley Rutschman and Shane Bieber, while the Houston Astros lose another impact bat from their lineup for the foreseeable future. With fantasy baseball waivers and the highly anticipated MLB trade deadline right around the corner, be sure to read on to learn more about some notable MLB injuries ahead of this weekend’s games.

MLB Injury Report Update Ahead of This Weekend's Games

This week’s MLB injury report features updates on the impending returns of Adley Rutschman and Austin Riley, while the Houston Astros will be without Isaac Paredes for multiple weeks. The Cleveland Guardians continue to be encouraged by Shane Bieber’s progress in his return from Tommy John surgery, while the Colorado Rockies sent one of their more attractive trade candidates in German Marquez, to the injured list.

As you prepare to finalize your fantasy baseball lineups for the upcoming week, don’t forget to take a look at James Grande’s best waiver wire pickups for the week!
 

 

 

MLB Week 18 Injury Report Update: Pitchers

Shane Bieber, Cleveland Guardians - Elbow

After a strong outing his last time out, Bieber is expected to work up to 55 pitches in his next rehab start, which is currently scheduled for Sunday.

Tanner Scott, Los Angeles Dodgers - Elbow

Scott was placed on the IL with inflammation in his pitching elbow. He’ll be reevaluated in a couple of days, at which point a clearer timeline should be available. Alex Vesia likely handles the closing duties during Scott’s absence.

Felix Bautista, Baltimore Orioles - Shoulder

Bautista was placed on the IL with discomfort in his right shoulder. While Bautista is out, Baltimore likely operates with a committee in the ninth inning with guys like Seranthony Dominguez, and Yennier Cano.
 

Cristian Javier, Houston Astros - Elbow

Javier made a rehab start on Thursday, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out one across 2.2 IP. He’s still numerous starts away from returning as he continues to progress through his recovery from Tommy John.

Spencer Arrighetti, Houston Astros - Thumb

Arighetti’s second rehab start is slated to take place today (Friday).

Lance McCullers, Houston Astros - Finger

McCullers was placed on the injured list earlier this week with a blister on his pitching hand.

German Marquez, Colorado Rockies - Biceps

Marquez was placed on the injured list due to biceps tendinitis in his right arm. He was a name to watch at the trade deadline, so this injury could complicate things a bit for Colorado.

 

 


 

MLB Week 18 Injury Report Update: Hitters

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles - Oblique

Rutschman may only be 1-for-6 across two rehab games, but he’s healthy and progressing well. The door is wide open for his return to the big league club at some point this weekend.

Isaac Paredes, Houston Astros - Hamstring

Paredes is going to miss multiple weeks with his hamstring strain, which is determined to be pretty significant.

Bobby Witt, Kansas City Royals - Knee

Bobby Witt is day-to-day with some soreness in his knee after fouling a ball on it earlier in the week.

Anthony Santander, Toronto Blue Jays - Shoulder

Santander should be considered “week to week” at this juncture, and the inflammation in his shoulder will hold him from beginning hitting for weeks. He’s eligible to return on July 29, but he most certainly will not be activated on that date. I wouldn’t hold my breath for an August return at this juncture.

Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves - Abdomen

The reports made it seem like Riley would be good to go in the early part of this week, but some discomfort popped up, delaying his return. It now appears that a return this weekend is most likely.

Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox - Wrist

Mayer is dealing with an injured wrist, and he’ll require additional testing to reveal the extent of the damage.

Ha-Seong Kim, Tampa Bay Rays - Back

Kim has missed a couple of games with tightness in his lower back, but he should return to the lineup on Friday.