As the 2025 Major League Baseball season approaches, several key players are facing significant challenges due to injuries. Minnesota Twins' third baseman Royce Lewis, selected first in the 2017 amateur draft, has once again encountered health issues. Straining his left hamstring during a recent game, Lewis is now set to miss the start of the regular season. This setback follows a pattern of recurring injuries that have hampered his performance since entering the league. Fantasy managers must approach drafting Lewis with caution, considering his potential yet unpredictable availability.

Lewis's injury history includes a right quadriceps strain suffered early in the 2024 season, which sidelined him for over two months. His teammate Byron Buxton serves as a cautionary tale, having last played 400 times in a single season back in 2017. Similarly, Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout and Minnesota’s Carlos Correa also face questions regarding their durability. Despite these concerns, some fantasy leagues continue to value Lewis highly, particularly in roto/categories formats, where he remains a borderline top-100 pick.

In light of Lewis's absence, Jose Miranda is expected to fill the void temporarily at third base. Additional infielders like Willi Castro and Brooks Lee may see increased playing time. Meanwhile, deep league participants should monitor Matt Wallner and Ryan Jeffers, who could provide valuable contributions offensively.

Elsewhere, the Angels are dealing with their own roster disruptions. Yoan Moncada, acquired to bolster the third base position, may require an injured list stint following thumb complications. This development opens opportunities for other veterans such as Tim Anderson and Kevin Newman, though clarity on roles remains elusive. Furthermore, Miami Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez will begin the year on the IL, creating openings for prospects like Griffin Conine and Kyle Stowers.

Beyond individual player concerns, broader team dynamics highlight ongoing uncertainties. Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar's inconsistent spring performance raises doubts about his reliability, while Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider edges closer to returning from elbow surgery. Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom continues to draw attention despite limited recent appearances, joined by promising rookies Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter in the starting rotation.

Amidst these developments, fantasy managers must navigate complex decisions balancing risk and reward. While players like Lewis offer enticing upside, their fragile health histories necessitate strategic planning. Teams across the league face similar dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and foresight heading into the new campaign.