Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Jose Soriano (arm) is set to pitch on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres. The right-hander ended the 2024 campaign on the injured list, but seeing him slated to start a game early in spring training suggests he will not have any restrictions. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the spring, but he is expected to open the season in the starting rotation. Last summer, the 26-year-old made 20 starts (22 games) and held a 3.42 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He tallied just 97 punchouts and showed weak command, allowing a high 9.6 percent walk rate. However, he was able to generate ground balls at an elite 60.1 percent rate. If Soriano were to struggle or face a setback later in the spring, Caden Dana or Sam Aldegheri could contend for a rotation spot.

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood (quadriceps) is not in the starting lineup for their opening spring training game. The former top prospect has been dealing with left quad tendinitis throughout the week and will be given additional time to recover. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status but should not be overly concerned as he has ample time to prepare for Opening Day. Wood made his MLB debut on July 1 and remained in the majors until the end of the season. Across 79 games, the 22-year-old posted a .264/.354/.427 line with nine home runs and 14 stolen bases. He generated an elite 52.0 percent hard-hit rate and a 10.6 percent barrel rate. When cleared for action, he should have an everyday role in left field.

Cleveland Guardians right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie is slated to start the team's first spring training game on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. The 27-year-old was demoted to Triple-A last season and is currently fighting for one of the final spots in the starting rotation. Last season, McKenzie posted a career-worst 5.11 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP across 75 2/3 innings. He struck out 74 batters but showed weak command as he served up a hefty 14.4 percent walk rate. He was limited to just 16 innings in 2023 but was a promising starter during the 2022 season. In 2022, the right-hander posted a strong 2.96 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP in 191 1/3 innings. If McKenzie can return to form in the spring, he will likely have the edge in the final rotation spot over Jakob Junis and Joey Cantillo.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson could open the season in the minor leagues. Given the depth in the Cincinnati outfield, Benson may be on the outside, given his poor performance in the majors last season. However, manager Terry Francona did note that the 26-year-old will be given opportunities in the spring. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his performance in spring training as it will likely provide clarity on where he will open the campaign. Last season, the former 14th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft posted a poor .187/.274/.376 line with 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases across 128 games. This was a sharp decline from the .275/.365/.498 line he held during the 2023 campaign. He will compete for a corner outfield spot alongside Stuart Fairchild, Santiago Espinal, and Blake Dunn during camp.