Boston Red Sox utility man Romy Gonzalez (oblique) is undergoing an MRI exam on Tuesday after leaving the team's spit-squad game against the Atlanta Braves on Monday with a tight oblique, according to manager Alex Cora. The level of concern is low, but the team is proceeding cautiously with only nine days before Opening Day next week. If the 28-year-old is healthy, MassLive's Chris Cotillo writes that Gonzalez is nearly certain to make the Opening Day roster because he is the top backup behind Triston Casas at first base. He projects as Boston's top super-utility option after playing seven different positions in 2024. But if Gonzalez opens the year on the injured list, Nick Sogard or Abraham Toro could break camp with the BoSox. When healthy, most of Gonzalez's playing time will come against lefties after he hit .266/.306/.417 with six home runs, 29 RBI and 11 steals in 199 at-bats a year ago.

Milwaukee Brewers infielder Joey Ortiz will start the season at shortstop. During camp, Ortiz began to take reps at shortstop to fill the void left by Willy Adames. There was speculation that Brice Turang could also move to this position, but Ortiz was able to earn the job. Last season, the 26-year-old spent the vast majority of his time at the hot corner. Across 142 contests, Ortiz held a .239/.329/.398 slash line with 25 doubles, six triples, and 11 home runs. He drew walks at an elite 11.0 percent rate but generated a low .305 xwOBA. However, Ortiz was graded as an elite defender as he placed in the 96th percentile in range, according to Statcast. He also swiped 11 bags and placed in the 85th percentile in sprint speed. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should view Ortiz as a reliable depth infielder, as he should have an everyday role in the lineup and will carry multi-positional eligibility.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw (toe), Tony Gonsolin (back), and Michael Kopech (shoulder) were all placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday night. These were part of a flourish of roster moves the Dodgers made prior to their opening game in Tokyo, Japan. None of these moves came as a surprise, as these injuries have been known for a while. Kershaw is expected to require an extended absence as he recovers from toe surgery, but Gonsolin and Kopech figure to be in the mix much sooner. Kopech is an arm the Dodgers will definitely be eager to get back after he posted a 1.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 24 innings after being dealt to them last season from the Chicago White Sox.

The Boston Red Sox have yet to make any decision on a starter at second base in camp, but The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that it seems like David Hamilton has a strong case for the starting job. Although Alex Cora said it's still an open competition among Hamilton, Vaughn Grissom and prospect Kristian Campbell, the skipper has spoken highly of Hamilton, particularly on defense. The 27-year-old's glove plays, but he also stole 33 bases in 98 games in 2024 and had 70 steals in 119 games in 2022 at Double-A. Campbell was initially seen as the front-runner, but he's a work in progress on defense and has gone 5-for-33 at the plate with 13 strikeouts. Hamilton has hit .250 with three doubles and two homers in spring training. Grissom is 6-for-32 (.188) with two doubles in 12 games and hasn't separated himself like Hamilton. Fantasy managers in AL-only and deep-mixed leagues could target Hamilton for his speed.

MLB.com's Ian Browne says not to rule out Boston Red Sox left-hander Sean Newcomb for an Opening Day starting rotation spot with Brayan Bello (shoulder), Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Kutter Crawford (knee) all opening the regular season on the injured list. "He's been solid. The cutter has made a difference. Throwing strikes, that's the most important thing. This is a guy we've seen from the last few years against us. It always caught my attention. They've done a good job, the pitching department, adding the cutter, kind of like a strike stealer or avoiding barrels. And so far, so good. He's in the hunt. He's caught our eyes," manager Alex Cora said. The 31-year-old southpaw and former first-rounder in 2014 by the Los Angeles Angels has given up only one run in 9 2/3 spring innings and is competing with Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts for the final rotation spot out of camp. The fact Newcomb doesn't have minor-league options left could help his cause.

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez (hip) was forced to exit early during Monday's spring training contest. Martinez is considered day-to-day after getting hit by a pitch in the hip during his lone plate appearance. It sounds like he's only dealing with a bruised hip, so this isn't something that should sideline him for long. Martinez was already unlikely to make the Opening Day roster, but it shouldn't be long before he's playing everyday in Toronto. The 23-year-old has some legitimate power in his bat, so he could be an immediate impact player once he gets the chance to play everyday.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (elbow) has been placed on the 60-day injured list on Monday. This is unsurprising as Manoah continues working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The organization is hopeful that Manoah can be an option for them in the second half of the season. Manoah was horrendous in 2023 and only made five starts with the Blue Jays last season. This move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for left-hander Richard Lovelady. The southpaw posted a 4.46 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP across 34 1/3 innings with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs last season. He has a good chance of making the team as a middle reliever to start the season.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that right-handed reliever Jake Cousins (forearm) is throwing out to 90 feet at camp. Cousins suffered a right-forearm strain early in spring training, which has kept him from pitching in any games. While the 30-year-old veteran is making progress, there's just not enough time for him to get his arm built up with Opening Day coming next Thursday. However, if Cousins is able to avoid any setbacks with his arm when he gets back on the mound, he could be ready to rejoin New York's bullpen and make his 2025 debut early in April. He was impressive for the Yankees last year after being acquired in a trade with the White Sox, posting a career-low 2.37 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, his first career save, a career-high 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 38 relief innings in the regular season. Although he won't really be an option for saves, he could return to a high-leverage setup role when healthy.

Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Severino will toe the rubber for the team on Opening Day. It comes as little surprise, considering the 31-year-old is the most qualified of his rotation-mates to do so. Severino pitched a full workload last season for the first time since 2018 -- the last time he threw more than 102 innings in a campaign. He was solid for the New York Mets -- if unspectacular -- notching an 8.0 K/9 and 3.91 ERA in 182 innings -- right in line with his xERA of 3.88. Oakland's rotation contains a few new, interesting arms in 2025, including Severino and former Tampa Bay Rays starter Jeffrey Springs. Only time will tell if it helps them improve from the third-worst record in the American League in 2024 (69-93).

Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Brock Stewart (knee) exited Saturday's spring training contest with a knee injury. Stewart felt a "slight pull" behind his left knee. However, after the game, Stewart was feeling much better and testing afterwards went well. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but this injury appears to not be very serious. Last season, Stewart logged just 15 2/3 innings in the major leagues as he dealt with a shoulder injury during most of the season. During this limited stint, he held a high 5.17 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP. He tallied 20 punchouts and served up walks at a high 11.9 percent rate. However, in 2023, Stewart was one of the most dominant relievers in the sport as he posted a near-perfect 0.65 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP across 27 2/3 innings. When healthy, he should contend for a high-leverage role in the bullpen.

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Bryan Shaw was optioned to Triple-A. Shaw joined the Reds as a non-roster invite earlier in the winter. Last season, the 37-year-old logged just four innings in the major leagues. Across this short stint, Shaw allowed four earned runs and held a 4:4 BB:K. During the 2023 campaign, Shaw logged 45 2/3 innings of work to the tune of a 4.14 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. During this season, Shaw tallied 40 punchouts with 17 walks and four saves. Across 92 2/3 career innings a the Triple-A level, Shaw has posted a 4.37 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Shaw to be in the mix to return to the majors later in the 2025 season when the Reds need additional depth in their bullpen.

Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young said on Saturday that left-hander Cody Bradford (elbow), who will begin the regular season on the injured list due to a sore left elbow, will not throw for at least four weeks. There was hope that Bradford might have a minimal stay on the IL to open the 2025 season, but this news throws that out the window. Fantasy managers that have already drafted the 27-year-old southpaw in deeper leagues may want to expect him to miss at least the first month of the season now that he'll have to start his throwing program from scratch when he resumes tossing. Texas received more bad news regarding their rotation when right-hander Jon Gray fractured his wrist on a line drive on Friday night. The injuries to Bradford and Gray probably mean that both right-handed pitching prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker will begin the year in Texas' starting rotation.

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet will get the starting nod on Opening Day against the Texas Rangers. Earlier in the offseason, the Red Sox acquired the southpaw in a blockbuster deal in which they sent prospects Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez to the White Sox. Last season, Crochet logged a career-high in innings as he tossed 146 frames to the tune of a 3.58 ERA and an impressive 1.07 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at an elite 35.1 percent rate. He also placed in the 91st and 89th percentiles in xERA and xBA respectively. Crochet showed elite control as he served up walks at a strong 5.5 percent rate. Fantasy managers should view Crochet as a high-end SP1 in all formats given his elite strikeout upside and control.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Shane Baz hasn't put up great numbers in his two Grapefruit League starts, but despite another rough showing on Thursday against the Washington Nationals in which he gave up four earned runs on five hits while walking none and striking out two in 4 1/3 innings, he was encouraged with his outing. "That was the best four-run game I've ever pitched," Baz told manager Kevin Cash. The 25-year-old was able to pitch into the fifth inning and showed improved control and command of his pitches. Overall, Baz has given up 10 earned runs with four walks and five strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings. It hasn't been pretty, but he continues to improve his control and command after missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. The arrow is pointing up, but the fact that Baz hasn't thrown more than 108 2/3 frames in a single season keeps his upside low entering 2025 as a back-end fantasy starter, at best.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Wenceel Perez (back) received a cortisone injection in his back. However, the team expressed optimism and expect the 25-year-old to be ready for Opening Day. Perez has been dealing with lower-back tightness over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should monitor his status but it appears the injury is not overly serious, given Detroit's optimism. While Perez remains sidelined for the time being, Riley Greene should continue to see opportunities in center field. However, once Perez is cleared for action, he will likely have a starting role in the everyday lineup as Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) are both expected to miss Opening Day. Last summer, Perez made his MLB debut and held a .242/.300/.383 line with nine home runs and nine stolen bases across 112 contests. He will have short-term value in deeper formats while he holds a spot in the starting nine.

Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) will make his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals, according to manager Joe Espada. McCullers has been cleared to pitch in his first game of the spring after looking good recently in a live batting practice session in which he touched 94 mph on the radar gun. The 31-year-old veteran last pitched in a game for the Astros in the World Series back in October of 2022, so it's been a while. He's making good progress this spring, but fantasy managers know by now not to get their hopes up. McCullers will have a rotation spot waiting for him during the regular season as long as he doesn't have any setbacks, but he will begin the year on the injured list. McCullers proved before that he's fantasy relevant in all leagues when he's healthy, but his lengthy injury history and innings limit this year will limit his upside in 2025.

Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom (illness) tossed three innings in a minor-league game on Friday after he was scratched from his scheduled Cactus League start on Thursday due to a stomach bug that is going around the clubhouse. deGrom should be able to make another spring outing soon and he will be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, although the Rangers plan to ease him in at the back end of their starting rotation. The 36-year-old two-time Cy Young winner and four-time All-Star made only three starts in 2024 while coming back from Tommy John surgery. When considering the fact that he only made six stars for Texas in 2023, it makes complete sense for the Rangers to slow-play deGrom so that he can make it through the year healthy. deGrom is an extreme risk/reward in fantasy, but if he can stay healthy, he has league-winning ace upside.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Alec Marsh (shoulder) said he felt great in two innings of live batting practice in camp on Thursday and will continue to build his arm up. It's unclear when Marsh might be cleared to pitch in a Cactus League game, but he is making progress after arriving to spring training this year with right-shoulder tightness. Even if the 26-year-old is cleared to pitch in spring games before spring training is over, he's expected to open the 2025 regular season on the injured list. In his second year in the big leagues in 2024, Marsh went 9-9 with a 4.53 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 123 strikeouts and 39 walks in 129 innings over 26 outings (25 starts) for the Royals. He showed better control last year but faded down the stretch in his first full big league season and was sent to the minors while also spending time in relief. Marsh will make more starts for KC this year but is out of the top-100 fantasy starting pitchers.

Texas Rangers right-hander Tyler Mahle (forearm) pitched in a minor-league game in camp on Thursday against Double-A Northwest Arkansas and allowed three runs in four innings while allowing six hits, walking none and striking out five. He threw 42 of his 55 pitches for strikes and tossed an extra 10 pitches in the bullpen after being scratched from his Cactus League start earlier this week with right-forearm tightness. The 30-year-old's MRI results didn't show any structural damage in his arm, though, and Mahle should be able to get back into a spring training game soon. It's great news for a pitcher who only made three starts in 2024 in his return from Tommy John surgery in 2023. He also missed time late last year with a shoulder injury. Because his innings will be limited in 2025, Mahle is really only worth stashing in deeper fantasy leagues.

Texas Rangers infielder Jonathan Ornelas was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday. Ornelas was competing for a depth role in the Texas infield but will begin the campaign at the top level of the minor leagues. Across the past two seasons, Ornelas has appeared in just 26 contests in the major leagues. Last summer, across 18 contests in Texas, the 24-year-old held a .215/.256/.270 slash line. He tallied just eight hits and only two went for extra-bases. During his brief stint in the majors, Ornelas was valuable from a defensive standpoint as he made starts at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. In 88 games with Triple-A, Ornelas held a .251/.322/.326 line with 10 doubles and three long balls. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should expect him to return to the majors later in the season but will only carry minimal fantasy value given his lack of offensive upside.