Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (lower body) was removed from the team's lineup for its Spring Training game on Wednesday due to lower body tightness, per DK Pittsburgh Sports. Lowe was originally scheduled to bat second and play second base against the Baltimore Orioles, but is now expected to go through a normal practice session at the team's Spring Training facility. Injuries have been a persistent issue throughout Lowe's time in the big leagues, as he's cracked 600 plate appearances just once in eight MLB seasons. Pittsburgh may be simply being overly cautious with the veteran infielder, as the Pirates traded for Lowe this past offseason and he projects as a key hitter in the middle of the team's lineup. Across 553 plate appearances with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, Lowe hit .256 with 31 home runs, 83 RBI, 79 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Still, any injury situation for Lowe warrants attention from fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Houston Astros infielder/outfielder Brice Matthews is among the players that MLB.com's Brian McTaggart lists as having a "strong case" to make the team's Opening Day roster. A first-round pick of Houston's in 2023, Matthews made his MLB debut in 2025 and hit .167/.222/.452 with four home runs, nine RBI, 6 runs scored, and one stolen base across 47 plate appearances. Matthews posted strong numbers across 498 plate appearances in Triple-A, slashing .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs, 64 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 41 stolen bases. However, the 23-year-old posted a 27.9% strikeout rate in the Minors and a 42.6% rate in a small sample size at the big-league level. If he cracks Houston's Opening Day roster, Matthews would likely open the season in a utility role. Still, his power-speed profile gives him some fantasy upside.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman/designated hitter Yandy Diaz (hand) is scheduled to return to Spring Training game action on Friday, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Diaz has been out a little over a week due to soreness in his left hand, but it appears as though the issue is not overly serious. Across 681 plate appearances in 2025, Diaz slashed .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs, 83 RBI, 79 runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 34-year-old has little to prove in Spring Training, so it would make sense if Tampa Bay were taking the stance of being overly cautious with its veteran slugger. Assuming he can return to full health, Diaz should be locked into an everyday role at the top of the Rays lineup in 2026. With a career batting average of .290, Diaz profiles as a reliable corner infield bat for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana posted a breakout season in 2025, collecting a 4-5 record with a 2.18 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 60 strikeouts, and 16 saves across 70 1/3 innings pitched. The 29-year-old emerged as Pittsburgh's primary ninth-inning option down the stretch of 2025 after the Pirates traded veteran closer David Bednar to the New York Yankees at the trade deadline. Heading into 2026, Santana looks set to get the first shot as Pittsburgh's primary save-earner. Santana's numbers are almost certain to regress from the outlier marks he posted in 2025, as he was buoyed by an unsustainably low .211 opponent batting average on balls in play. Santana is also not an elite strikeout pitcher, as he posted a 22.2% strikeout rate in 2025 and owns a career mark of 22.1%. However, Santana has now posted consecutive seasons with a WHIP of 1.09 or better and may have the trust of the Pirates organization. If he can do enough to maintain the closing job in Pittsburgh, Santana could be an undervalued source of saves for fantasy managers in 2026.

From RotoBaller

Across 61 innings (65 games) in 2025, St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher JoJo Romero posted a 4-6 record with a 2.07 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 55 strikeouts, and eight saves. With former Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley now a member of the Baltimore Orioles, Romero is in the mix to close games in St. Louis along with fellow Cardinals relievers Riley O'Brien and Matt Svanson. Romero outperformed his peripherals in 2025, as he posted a middling 10.2% K-BB rate. His 3.49 xERA and 3.28 FIP, while strong marks, were both significantly worse than his 2.07 ERA. Still, Romero has been an effective setup man for multiple seasons in St. Louis and saw some work in the ninth inning down the stretch of the 2025 season. As a left-handed reliever, Romero could emerge as Cardinals manager Oli Marmol's preferred ninth-inning option against lefty-heavy portions of opposing lineups. Romero may be worth targeting late in fantasy drafts heading into 2026.

From RotoBaller

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles both included Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin on their projected Opening Day roster. Nothing is official from the Pirates. Kriffin has so far gone 5-for-24 (.208) with three home runs, eight RBI, three runs scored, no walks, and six strikeouts in 26 plate appearances over nine Grapefruit League games in spring training. The 19-year-old phenom has looked the part and is mature beyond his years, not to mention all of the physical skills he has on defense and at the plate. In his first minor-league season in 2025, Griffin spent time at three different levels and hit a combined .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games. There isn't anything he can't do on the diamond. The only question now is whether the Bucs feel he needs a tad bit more seasoning before being given the starting duties at the 6 in the Show. Either way, Griffin is going to make a potentially big impact in all fantasy leagues in 2026.

From RotoBaller

Houston Astros left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) will start the season on the injured list, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Hader threw his first spring training bullpen session on Tuesday and felt good, but the timeline the Astros have laid out won't have Hader ready by Opening Day at the end of the month. The 31-year-old six-time All-Star has become a much more risky fantasy closer because of his injury and the fact that he finished last year injured as well with a left-shoulder strain. Hader was still pretty dominant in 2025 when he was healthy, going 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, and 76 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings pitched, and he will take over closing duties in Houston as soon as he's ready to make his season debut. In the meantime, though, Bryan Abreu is absolutely worth a late-round flier for saves for however long Hader is out.

From RotoBaller

Miami Marlins catching prospect Joe Mack (neck) returned to the starting lineup during Tuesday's spring training contest against the Washington Nationals. The young back was sidelined for a few days due to neck stiffness, but quickly returned to action. In his return, Mack struggled at the plate, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout. The former 31st overall selection is in serious consideration to break camp with the MLB roster. Last summer, Mack spent the majority of his campaign at Triple-A (99 games), where he hit .250/.320/.459 line with a .779 OPS. During this stint, Mack hit 18 home runs and carried a modest 115:35 K:BB. If Mack can enjoy a strong conclusion to camp, he could contend for a depth role on the MLB roster. If he were to fall short, he would be in contention for an early promotion.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Tigers infield prospect Kevin McGonigle went 1-for-3 with a solo home run during Monday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays. This was the top prospect's first long ball of spring training. Overall, McGonigle has looked quite comfortable facing MLB-caliber pitching, posting a .318/.444/.636 slash line with two doubles, one home run, and one stolen base. He has struck out just five times over these 22 at-bats. McGonigle is under serious consideration to break camp with the MLB roster and appears to be in a good position to do so, as he avoided the first round of roster cuts, which saw fellow top prospect, Max Clark, sent to the minor leagues. In 2025, McGonigle spent the season across Low-A, High-A, and Double-A and posted an overall .305/.408/.583 line with a .991 OPS. Given his production in camp, McGonigle is emerging as a favorite to start on Opening Day, which makes him a prime late-round target in all drafts.

From RotoBaller

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (hamstring) was removed from Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game against the United States due to right-hamstring discomfort. Before exiting the contest, the young catcher was off to a roaring start, going 2-for-2 with a solo home run and a double. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status, as he may not be able to return for the remainder of the tournament. Last season, Teel made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox and posted a solid .273/.375/.411 line with eight long balls and three stolen bases over a 78-game stint. At Triple-A (50 games), Teel held a .295/.394/.492 line with eight home runs and seven sotlen bases. If Teel were to have a delayed start to the regular season, fantasy managers should expect fellow young backstop, Edgar Quero, to operate as the primary option.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick logged another strong outing on Monday afternoon and continues to make a strong case to begin the campaign in the starting rotation. Messick logged 4 2/3 innings against the Kansas City Royals and allowed no runs with just two hits and one walk. He struck out four. Over his three appearances in camp (two starts), the young southpaw has tossed 9 1/3 innings to the tune of a 1.93 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 7:4 K:BB. He made his MLB debut late in the 2025 season and looked quite comfortable, posting a 2.72 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP over his first 39 2/3 innings. He is currently competing alongside Logan Allen and Joey Cantillo for one of the final starting positions. If he were to break camp in the rotation, he would have solid late-round sleeper appeal.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (shoulder) is "taking the next steps" in his throwing progression and threw off the mound to a standing catcher on Monday, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. Snell is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, as the team is slow-playing his Spring buildup after he missed significant time in 2025 due to shoulder issues. However, it appears as though the 33-year-old is on track with the progression that the team has laid out for him. When healthy, Snell is one of the best pitchers in baseball. Across 1,158 career big league innings (222 starts), the veteran left-hander owns a 3.15 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 1,440 strikeouts, and two Cy Young Awards. However, Snell has thrown more than 128 2/3 innings just once since 2019 and seems likely to miss a chunk of time in 2026 as well. He profiles as a high-risk, high-reward fantasy SP3 heading into his second campaign with the Dodgers.

From RotoBaller

Team Puerto Rico manager Yadier Molina said that Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios has received clearance to join the Puerto Rican team for the remainder of the World Baseball Classic, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Puerto Rico has already secured a spot in the tournament quarterfinals, which begin on Friday. Across 166 innings (31 games) in 2025, Berrios posted a 9-5 record with a 4.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 138 strikeouts. The 31-year-old reportedly dealt with a biceps tendon issue down the stretch of 2025 and was left off Toronto's postseason roster during its run to the World Series. However, Berrios has said he is fully healthy heading into 2026 and will have a chance to prove he is on the path to a bounce-back season at the WBC. The Blue Jays have enough pitching depth to potentially move Berrios out of the starting rotation if he struggles again this season, making him a risky starting pitcher option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that starting pitcher Trey Yesavage will pitch in a Minor League game at the team's Spring Training complex on Wednesday, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Matheson reports that the plan is for Yesavage to pitch two innings, and that may make two additional Spring Training starts following his outing on Wednesday. Toronto is carefully managing Yesavage's workload after he threw 139 2/3 innings (including Minor League and postseason action) in 2025. Yesavage was a key piece of the Blue Jays' run to the World Series last season, posting a 35.8% strikeout rate and a 1.05 WHIP across 27 2/3 postseason innings. While the young righty's long-term upside appears to be sky-high, Toronto's apparent desire to hold him back from a full starter's workload may limit his 2026 fantasy value. Yesavage profiles as a high-ceiling, low-floor number three fantasy starter as Opening Day approaches.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (back) is set to make the start in his team's Spring Training game on Friday against the Kansas City Royals, per Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Kelly was sidelined early in camp with a back injury, but he was able to make it through a live batting practice session this past Sunday and appears on track to progress to game action. The 37-year-old may not be fully built up to his normal pitch count in his first start or two of the season, but he should have a chance to be ready for Opening Day barring any setbacks. Across 184 innings (32 starts) split between the Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers in 2025, Kelly posted a 12-9 record with a 3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts. He is locked into a rotation spot in Arizona and projects as a quality late-round innings eater for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) played four innings on defense in a Minor League Spring Training game on Tuesday, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lindor is just under a month removed from surgery to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. While the 32-year-old was able to play the field in a game, he has yet to progress to taking live at-bats. Per DiComo, Lindor said he is "100% optimistic" that he has a chance to be ready for Opening Day, although the veteran shortstop did not fully commit to a specific return date. Lindor has recorded four consecutive seasons with at least 680 plate appearances, so it would not be a surprise if he's able to make a quick recovery from surgery and avoid an early-season stint on the Injured List.

From RotoBaller

The plan is for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (hand) to serve as the designated hitter in the team's Cactus League game on Wednesday against the Athletics, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The 25-year-old former National League Rookie of the Year has healed quickly from surgery to fix a fractured hamate bone in his right hand in early February. Barring a setback once Carroll returns to game action, he should be ready for Opening Day later this month. It's great news for the Diamondbacks and fantasy managers who took Carroll as a top-10 fantasy outfielder already in drafts. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 is a two-time All-Star and contributes across all categories in fantasy. Carroll has led the league in triples in each of the last three years and was a 30-30 man in 2025 for the first time in his career.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki is expected to open his second year in the big leagues in 2026 as a starting pitcher, per Jack Vita of the Los Angeles Times. "I don't see a world in which Roki Sasaki doesn't [open the season] as a starter," manager Dave Roberts said. Sasaki only appeared in 10 games (eight starts) in his first big-league season in 2025 during the regular season, allowing 18 earned runs on 30 hits (six homers) while walking 22 and striking out 28 in 36 1/3 innings pitched. The 24-year-old Japanese hurler then made nine appearances in the postseason as the Dodgers' closer, giving up just one earned run while recording three saves in 10 2/3 frames. He hasn't looked great in his two Cactus League starts, allowing seven earned runs while walking five and striking out five in 3 1/3 innings. Control continues to be the biggest issue for Sasaki, who could eventually be moved back to a bullpen role in 2026 when lefty Blake Snell (shoulder) makes his season debut.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (forearm) was hit on his right forearm by a pitch during a simulated game in camp on Tuesday and left early with a trainer for treatment, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. It's unclear right now how serious Torkelson's injury is or if it will prevent him from being ready on Opening Day later this month. The 26-year-old former first overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State hit 31 home runs for the second time in his career last season after clubbing only 10 long balls in 2024, and he added 78 RBI and 82 runs scored in 155 games played while slashing .240/.333/.456 in 649 plate appearances. There's always going to be swing and miss in Torkelson's game, but he cut back slightly on his whiffs in 2025 and showed more plate discipline. Fantasy managers should look at Tork as a power asset later in drafts as corner-infield depth.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora stopped short of making it official but "strongly indicated" on Tuesday morning that infielder Caleb Durbin will be the team's starting third baseman on Opening Day later this month, according to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. The Red Sox will most likely go with Durbin at the hot corner after they were unable to re-sign Alex Bregman in free agency in the winter. The 26-year-old Durbin played third base with the Milwaukee Brewers last year in his MLB debut, too, while finishing with a .256/.334/.387 slash line, .721 OPS, 11 homers, 53 RBI, 60 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 136 total regular-season games. Durbin finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. He displayed great plate discipline, but fantasy managers should be concerned about his 4.0% barrel rate, 26.9% hard-hit rate, and 85.2 mph average exit velocity. Durbin doesn't have the high-end power to be more than a backup third base option in mixed fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller