Hurt file, May 21-26

NOTE: This column focuses on injury analysis, so we don't cover the progress of every injured player. We try to highlight the key fantasy contributors, unusual injuries, or situations where the official projected return is variable or not given. Players whose progress is proceeding as expected are very well covered by fantasy news sources; we'll tend to leave those players alone unless we have something we want to add to the news coverage. This column is updated on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.

Credit for the Worry-O-Meter goes to Dr. Jim Ferretti (X: @TFSDoc):

     1 – “No problemo”
     2 – “I’ll be back”
     3 – “I (might) be back”
     4 – “I (probably won’t) be back”
     5 – “Hasta la vista, baby”
 

May 21, 2025

Porter Hodge (RHP, CHI) – L oblique strain (5/17/25)
Obliques tend to be a little harder to come back from for pitchers, as the pitching motion puts a good amount of stress on them. It’s unlikely that he’s back in the minimum.
2025 Impact: Elevated risk; Risk of recurrence
Est. Return: Mid-/late June
Worry-O-Meter: 2

Justin Verlander (RHP, SF) – R pectoral, “slight issue” (5/18/25)
Sounds like a pec strain to us. The “slight” modifier makes it sound minor, but it was enough to knock his velocity down by 2-3 MPH in his last start. They’re saying he’ll make his next start, but you may want to avoid that one if you can. An IL trip is still probably a 50/50 shot.
2025 Impact: Possibility of reduced production; Could hit the IL
Est. Return: 5 days, maybe
Worry-O-Meter: 2

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Reese Olson (RHP, DET) – R hand, inflammation (5/19/25)
His ring finger is inflamed. The likely possibilities are tendonitis or a muscle strain, neither of which is super serious. Since it’s his pitching hand it will need to be close to 100% healed before he can come back, which probably adds a few days to his absence.
2025 Impact: Elevated risk; Risk of recurrence
Est. Return: Early/mid-June
Worry-O-Meter: 2

Colin Holderman (RHP, PIT) – R thumb inflammation (5/19/25
This is similar to Olson, but it's the thumb. It may take a bit longer to heal, and there's a possibility of ligament damage, but the two injuries are similar.
2025 Impact: Elevated risk; Risk of recurrence
Est. Return: Early/mid-June
Worry-O-Meter: 2
 

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