Well, well, well, if it isn’t the first edition of Ambulance Chasers after Opening Day. *pretends to extinguish a candy cigarette while making a sizzling sound with my mouth*

The IL has already been IL’ing. While some of the news this week is a little leaner than the last preseason article, don’t be fooled.

As always, I do not have a crystal ball. So, let’s break down what we do know.

The Triage Report: Pitchers

Zach Eflin (SP, BAL) – Right Elbow Discomfort

Timeline: 15-Day IL | Eligible: 04/16 | Expected return: TBD.
Current outlook: Eflin went on the IL on April 1 after exiting his debut with elbow pain. While he was coming off successful back surgery, “elbow discomfort” in his first action doesn’t sound great. Eflin had an MRI and is seeking out a second opinion. The team did not share the results of the first MRI, but the fact there is a second MRI isn’t confidence inducing.
Fantasy impact: Critical.
Replacement: Dean Kremer (BAL). He is expected to take Eflin’s spot next week. Albert Suárez’s contract was selected as well.If you’re looking for an external pivot, Michael Soroka (ARI) is an external option. Against Detroit, Soroka threw an immaculate inning. In 5 IP he had 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, and 10 K. Soroka is 23% rostered in RCL leagues.

IMMACULATE INNING FOR MICHAEL SOROKA!10 strikeouts through 5 innings in his @Dbacks debut!

— MLB (@mlbbot.bsky.social) 2026-03-31T03:47:09.000Z

Nick Lodolo (SP, CIN) – Blister

Timeline: 15-Day IL | Eligible: 04/07 | Awaiting update at time of publication.
Current outlook: Lodolo is dealing with a blister, an issue he’s dealt with on and off over the last few years. On Thursday, Lodolo was performing well in a rehab start for Single-A Dayton. He was expected to throw 60–65 pitches, but he only made it to 40 before leaving the mound with a blister flare-up. Lodolo is eligible to return 4/7, but we will wait and see.
Fantasy impact: High, especially with a potentially increased stint on the IL.
Replacement: Brandon Williamson is currently in the rotation, but he was on the struggle bus in his first start back, giving up 6 earned runs.

Spencer Strider (SP, ATL) – Left Oblique Strain

Timeline: 15-Day IL | Eligible: 04/06 | No timetable.
Current outlook: There are reasons to be concerned.. Strider was a scratch late in camp, and then there were rumors of a various signings making it seem like Strider would be out longer. However, Strider was scheduled to throw a bullpen session yesterday and will ramp up activity over the next week.
Fantasy impact: High. A replacement while Strider is on the IL is necessary.
Replacement: Bryce Elder (ATL) is an internal volume option with an asterisk because we shall see how the next few games go for him . Cade Cavalli (WAS) is quite rostered in RCL, but he could be another replacement option. In 9.71 IP, he’s at 8 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, and 8 K.

Ryan Pepiot (SP, TB) – Right Hip Inflammation

Timeline: 15-Day IL | Eligible: 04/06 | Awaiting update at time of publication.
Current outlook: Pretty, pretty good. Pepiot was cleared by doctors on Wednesday and threw a bullpen session on Friday. He could rejoin the rotation on his eligibility date.
Fantasy impact: Low. This does not appear to be a long-term injury.
Replacement: Joe Boyle is in the rotation as of now, but he is temporary at best. If it becomes more serious, we can discuss someone like David Peterson (NYM).

Cody Ponce (SP, TOR) – Right ACL Sprain

Timeline: 15-Day IL | Eligible: 04/15 | Out indefinitely.
Current outlook: Let’s add more pain to a torn-up rotation. Ponce is dealing with a sprained ACL. Luckily, it wasn’t a complete tear, but he is expected to miss “significant time”, which is likely months.
Fantasy impact: High-ish. If you were counting on him as a deep-league sleeper, I am sorry for your loss. I was high on him too! I wanted a happily ever after story!
Replacement: Lazaro Estrada was recalled, but the Jays’ rotation is rolling like a jalopy. You could see if Jose Soriano (LAA) is available somewhere. The Jays signed Patrick Corbin yesterday as well.

No full and final diagnosis for Cody Ponce just yet. He’s going to travel to see Dr. ElAttrache. #BlueJays

— Keegan Matheson (@keeganmatheson.bsky.social) 2026-04-01T15:33:19.676Z

Carlos Estévez (RP, KC) – Left Foot Contusion

Timeline: 15-Day IL | Eligible: 04/13
Current outlook: Estévez was placed on the IL on April 1 (retroactive to March 29). The foot is not great, but even more concerning is a drop in his velocity, which sat at 91.2 mph in his last outing.
Fantasy impact: Immediate. That velocity dip.
Replacement: Lucas Erceg is an internal option and good for saves. Gregory Soto (PIT) could be a sneaky add here. Just look out for saves.

Carlos Estévez allowed 6 ER in his blown save yesterday. His velocity is down 5 MPH from last season. Yikes.

— Thomas Nestico (@tjstats.ca) 2026-03-29T15:19:39.938Z

Cade Horton (SP, CHC) – Forearm Discomfort

Timeline: 15-Day IL | Awaiting update at time of publication.
Current outlook: The fact that the Cubs announced a move to the IL before Horton even went for imaging is…concerning. Horton will receive imaging this weekend, and we will know more then. In the meantime, prepare for the worst.
Fantasy impact: High, this could be ugly.
Replacement: Colin Rea or Ben Brown could be internal options, with Brown being a preferred fantasy option with his strikeout numbers. Outside of Chicago, maybe see if Landen Roupp is for you. He struck out seven in six scoreless innings in his first start. Not too shabby.

The Triage Report: Hitters

Jackson Chourio (OF, MIL) – Left Hand Fracture

Timeline: 10-Day IL | Eligible: 04/06 | Expected return: Mid-to-late April.
Current outlook: Chourio had lingering soreness from a WBC HBP. An MRI showed a hairline fracture in his left hand.. He is being treated conservatively, and a return is expected in roughly 2-3 weeks.
Fantasy impact: High. Big loss, but luckily the timeline is relatively short.
Replacement: See below for Jake Bauers talk. Somehow Victor Scott II (STL) is not 100% rostered in RCL. So, someone out there may be lucky.

Andrew Vaughn (1B/OF, MIL) – Left Hamate Surgery

Timeline: 10-Day IL | Eligible: 04/06 | Expected return: Mid-May
Current outlook: Surgery for his fractured hamate was successful on March 30. He is expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Fantasy impact: Moderate. When Vaughn returns, keep an eye on power.
Replacement: Internally, Jake Bauers will see increased at-bats. If you can shift some players around, consider Joey Wiemer (WSH). Son did a fantastic breakdown here in One Man’s Trash. Also, did you know Son doesn’t put anything on his hot dogs?

Christopher Morel (OF/DH, MIA) – Left Oblique Strain

Timeline: 10-Day IL | Eligible: 04/04 | Expected return: 4–6 weeks
Current outlook: The dreaded late scratch from the lineup on Opening Day, no less. A comeback from an oblique injury may see sapped power.
Fantasy impact: High depending on what positions Morel is eligible for in your league.
Replacement: There are warm bodies internally with different player profiles available: Connor Norby, Liam Hicks, and Griffin Conine.

Gavin Lux (2B/OF, TBR) – Right Shoulder Impingement

Timeline: 10-Day IL | Eligible: 04/02.
Current outlook: Some good news. Lux was cleared for a rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham as of April 1. He should play a few games and could be back up by early next week.
Fantasy impact: Low.
Replacement: No need to discuss yet.

Kyle Stowers (OF, MIA) — Strained Hamstring

Timeline: 10-Day IL | Eligible: 04/01 | Expected return: Late April/Early May
Current outlook: Eligible, but temper your expectations.. This is the same right hamstring that bothered him earlier in the spring. This is typically a 3-4 week stint. With Christopher Morel and Esteury Ruiz on the IL, the Miami outfield is a group of Some Guys.
Fantasy impact: Moderate-to-High.
Replacement: Griffin Conine and Heriberto Hernandez are getting outfield reps. If you’re looking for a higher-upside pivot in the deepies, check if Owen Caissie is still available.

Quick Updates: Recent News (Past 14 Days)

Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, and Shane Bieber (SP, TOR): See below!

Trey Yesavage slated to pitch three innings in a minor-league game for class A Dunedin today.John Schneider estimated that Yesavage would be back in majors first followed by Jose Berrios then Shane Bieber.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnsbaseball.bsky.social) 2026-04-03T16:25:52.251Z

Alejandro Kirk (C, TOR): Kirk was knocked on his left thumb by a foul tip. He immediately left his position and (at the time of publication) is undergoing X-rays to determine the severity. If he avoided a fracture, he is considered day-to-day. Tyler Heineman took over behind the plate, but the Blue Jays may recall Brandon Valenzuela if Kirk needs to take a visit to ye ol’ IL..

Garrett Cleavinger (RP, TB): The Rays placed Cleavinger on the 15-day IL on Friday with right calf tightness. The slight strain was revealed in an MRI, and the team is taking a cautious approach to avoid a long-term absence. Hunter Bigge was recalled from Triple-A Durham. Colin Poche or Bryan Baker may see increased work as well.

Chase DeLauter (OF, CLE): On March 31, DeLauter fouled a ball off the foot he has had a few surgeries on. The x-rays were negative, and the injury was called a contusion. DeLauter was back, in a big way, in action in Friday’s home opener.

Grayson Rodriguez (SP, LAA): On the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation. He is playing catch but hasn’t been cleared for a mound session yet. So, he will probably not be eligible immediately.

Alek Manoah (SP, LAA): On the IL after losing a fingernail after his March 17 appearance. He is currently in Arizona, working through mechanical issues.

Jordan Westburg (INF, BAL): Moved to the 60-day IL on April 1 (partial UCL tear). I’ve seen a late May/early June timeline.

Seiya Suzuki (OF, CHC): Set to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. On track to return as early as April 6.

Kirby Yates (RP, LAA): Yates threw a BP session on April 1 and has another scheduled for this weekend. A mid-April return looks likely.

Jackson Holliday (2B, BAL): Recovering from the hamate bug that bit everyone. He played three rehab games at Triple-A this week. A mid-April debut seems likely.

Carlos Rodón (SP, NYY): Setback in rehab because of a spicy hamstring. He is supposed to throw off the mound today, and if that goes well, he may head for a rehab assignment. Late April/early May return possible.

The Takeaways

We were a little leaner this week, but there are some patterns and lessons to take away:

Oblique Outlook: Between Strider, Morel, and Ruiz, the core injury business is BOOMING. Maybe even IPO-ing. For these, prepare for 6–8 weeks.

Baltimore’s Rotation Crisis: Last week, we talked about the Baltimore Infield Crisis. Buckle up this week for Baltimore’s Rotation Crisis. With Eflin and Rodriguez down, the Orioles’ depth is being tested. Keep an eye on Albert Suárez or even Cade Povich

Velocity Watch: Estévez is a good example of why we feel a need for speed. If a pitcher’s velocity drops before an IL stint, it is smart to be skeptical of return dates.

The Rays’ Healing Ward: Pepiot and Lux are trending toward returning. If someone dropped them, let their trash be your treasure.

That’s it for this week in injuries. Share your latest injury woes and thoughts with me in the comments.

I’m Keelin, your bi-weekly reminder that injuries don’t follow timelines. Find me on Bluesky at keelin12ft.bsky.social.

This column focuses on injury situations that meaningfully affect fantasy baseball decisions. It is not a complete injury ledger or a prediction of exact timelines. Teams are often vague, information changes quickly, and this is best viewed as a snapshot of where things stand.