Jeimer Candelario DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Jeimer Candelario (back) played catch on the field on Thursday at Great American Ball Park before the series finale against the visiting Chicago White Sox as he begins to ramp up his throwing progression, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Charlie Goldsmith. Candelario is recovering from a lumbar spine strain after landing on the injured list in late April, and the 31-year-old veteran isn't exactly close to a return. It's good news that he's beginning to throw again, but he'll eventually need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment and might not be ready to return to the big-league roster until late May or early June. With Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand (back) and Noelvi Marte (oblique) all on the shelf, Santiago Espinal has been afforded everyday playing time for the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that corner infielder Jeimer Candelario (back) received an epidural injection in his ailing back but has yet to turn the corner in his recovery. Candelario last played on April 27 and is currently on the 10-day injured list with a lumbar spine strain. There is no timetable for the 31-year-old veteran, so fantasy managers should be surprised if he rejoins the team before June. In addition to Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand (back) and Noelvi Marte (oblique) are on the IL, so for the time being, Santiago Espinal will be Cincy's starter at third base. Candelario's bad back likely explains why he was hitting just .113/.198/.213 with two home runs, 10 RBI and three runs scored in his first 80 at-bats of the 2025 season. Whenever he returns, the switch-hitter should be a lineup regular between third, first and designated hitter.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Jeimer Candelario (back) said there's no current timetable for his return from a lumbar spine strain in his back. "We're waiting on it to get better," Candelario said. "Sometimes, you want to force things and do things. But this is a part of the game. You want to be able to help the team win, but you've got to do it the right way." The Reds put Candelario on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, and it appears that the 31-year-old switch-hitter could be out for a while. His back issues could also help explain why he has hit just .113/.198/.213 with two home runs, two doubles and 10 RBI in 22 games played. Christian Encarnacion-Strand (back) is also on the IL, which has created regular opportunities for Noelvi Marte, who has taken advantage. Marte came into Thursday's game hitting .315 with three homers, 16 RBI and four stolen bases in 54 at-bats.