Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that infielder/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela is the team's everyday shortstop at this point with Trevor Story (shoulder) out for the rest of the year. Rafaela is making his sixth straight start at the 6 on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians. The move to put the 23-year-old defensive whiz at shortstop full time has allowed outfielder Wilyer Abreu to become an everyday player for the BoSox as well. Rafaela's full-time move to the 6 will give him dual eligibility in fantasy at both shortstop and the outfield. Rafaela has a lot to improve on offensively, though, as he's hitting just .171 (14-for-82) with a home run, nine RBI, three stolen bases and 11 runs scored in 25 games. He's mostly attractive in deeper leagues for his speed.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Nick Pivetta (elbow) will make at least one minor-league rehab start before returning from the injured list. Pivetta has already missed more than the 15 days required on his injured-list stint and he's going to need at least one start in the minors before fantasy managers will get him back. The 31-year-old is recovering from a right-elbow flexor strain but has resumed throwing off a mound and could make his rehab start soon. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback in that outing, he should join Boston's rotation shortly after that. The Canadian hurler looked fantastic in his first two starts before getting hurt, allowing just one earned run on eight hits while walking one and fanning 13 in 11 innings. The Red Sox and fantasy managers will be looking forward to his return in early May.

It's unlikely that Boston Red Sox infielder Vaughn Grissom (hamstring) will return from the injured list this weekend, but he's getting close. Grissom continues to rehab in the minor leagues at Triple-Worcester and has played in six games to this point, going 4-for-18 (.222) with no homers or RBI and two stolen bases in 22 plate appearances. The 23-year-old has split time between shortstop and second base on his rehab assignment, but he's expected to operate as Boston's primary second baseman once he's ready to make his debut for the Red Sox. If he doesn't suffer any setbacks over the weekend, Grissom could be reinstated to make his 2024 debut next Tuesday at home against the San Francisco Giants. In deep-mixed leagues, he's absolutely worth a pickup if you need middle-infield help.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (knee) isn't comfortable playing the field just yet after his knee injury, according to manager Alex. Cora. However, the skipper said that Devers will likely return to the hot corner on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. Devers missed some time recently with a left knee injury, but he's been the team's designated hitter the last few days. Once the 27-year-old heads back to third base, it will allow outfielder Masataka Yoshida to return to the DH spot for Boston. The left-handed hitter has sat each of the last three games against a right-hander with Devers serving as the DH. Devers has battled a few nagging injuries already in 2024 and is hitting an uncharacteristic .231 (12-for-52) in the early going with three home runs and seven RBI. It's too early to be concerned with Devers.

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (shin) is serving as the team's designated hitter and will bat second on Thursday against right-hander Luis Castillo and the visiting Seattle Mariners. Seager was removed as a precaution late in Wednesday's contest against the M's after he was hit by a pitch and suffered a left-shin contusion. The 29-year-old's shin swelled up after the game, but apparently he's feeling good enough on Thursday to serve as the DH against a pitcher that he's hit .300 against in 10 career at-bats. With Seager at DH, Josh Smith is starting at the 6 and batting sixth for Texas. Fantasy managers will want to get Seager back into all starting lineups. He's started off the 2024 season hitting .256 (22-for-86) with a homer, six RBI and 11 runs scored.