Anthony Volpe Demotion Leads 3 MLB Injury Updates Forcing Fantasy Roster Changes

Early-season injuries don’t just take players out of lineups—they change roles, usage, and fantasy value for everyone. In fantasy baseball points leagues, where steady roles matter most, even a short absence can force managers to rethink their lineups. Here are three cases where a player’s return or absence is already changing team structure and fantasy value.

Raisel Iglesias Returns to Reclaim Atlanta’s Closing Role

Raisel Iglesias will come off the 15-day injured list on Tuesday before the Braves face the Mariners. He missed time with right shoulder inflammation since April 21. Iglesias is returning without a minor-league rehab, showing the team trusts he’s ready. He’s expected to take back the closer job from Robert Suarez, who filled in well. Before his injury, Iglesias had not allowed a run in 8.2 innings, with five strikeouts in eight games.

Iglesias is valuable right away because his role is clear. Closers earn points with saves, strikeouts, and clean innings, so having a set closer means steady scoring.

Anthony Volpe’s Return Creates Short-Term Uncertainty for Yankees

Anthony Volpe is off the injured list after left shoulder surgery, but the Yankees are sending him to Triple-A instead of putting him right back at shortstop. In 13 rehab games in Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .250 with a .306 on-base and .318 slugging, adding one home run and two steals. Last year, he hit .212 but showed his power and speed with 19 homers and 18 steals.

New York is holding off on bringing back a player who adds athleticism and helps in several stat categories. Volpe’s mix of power and speed makes him important for the lineup, especially at shortstop. With Jose Caballero now set to play shortstop, the Yankees are choosing to wait until Volpe is fully ready.

Fantasy managers need to choose whether to keep Volpe on their roster or look for short-term results, with Caballero now a strong replacement option thanks to his bigger role.

Giancarlo Stanton’s Right Calf Strain Keeps Yankees Waiting

Giancarlo Stanton is still out with a mild right calf strain from April 24 and hasn’t been cleared to start running yet. Until he can do that, the Yankees don’t know when he’ll be back.

The Yankees are still missing one of their main power hitters. Stanton’s value comes from his extra-base hits and RBIs, giving the lineup a strong presence in the middle. Without him, the team loses a big source of runs and protection for other hitters.