New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes looks to maintain his strong start to the 2024 season when he takes the ball for Tuesday's start on the road against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Although Cortes had a sluggish start in spring training, he's throwing for a rock-solid 3.50 ERA (3.71 FIP), 1.00 WHIP, and 32:5 K:BB over 36 innings (six starts) to begin the regular season. The 29-year-old left-hander now has to do battle with a high-powered offense, but in his last seven appearances versus the O's since 2021, Cortes is 3-0 with a 1.73 ERA and 59:11 K:BB across 41 2/3 frames. Baltimore's current roster is batting a career .180 (18-for-100) with just four extra-base hits against Cortes, who should be rostered in all fantasy leagues ahead of Monday night's waiver runs and makes for an interesting DFS tournament play on Tuesday in a difficult setup on paper.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger (ribs) did some light throwing, running, and hitting at Fenway Park on Sunday. It was a positive step in Bellinger's progression from two fractured ribs on his right side, as he's being evaluated on a daily basis with the goal of ramping up his activity based on his recovery and tolerance. Although there is still no firm timetable for the 28-year-old All-Star slugger's activation from the 10-day injured list, there's optimism he'll be able to return to Chicago's outfield right around when he's first eligible to return. Top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is batting .313 (5-for-16) with one home run and four RBI in six games since being called up from the minor leagues, and he should patrol center field every day against right-handed pitching in the meantime for the Cubs. The former first-round pick is worth a look for fantasy managers in deep mixed or NL-only leagues in the interim.

Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (oblique) took grounders before Monday's game versus the Atlanta Braves. Crawford also reported after Sunday's pregame activity that he's feeling much better as he recuperates from a Grade 1 right oblique strain. The M's believe that his timeline is still a matter of multiple weeks, however, so fantasy managers should not be expecting Crawford to be reinstated from the injured list when first eligible on May 5. The 29-year-old on-base machine is only worth stashing in formats that record walks, as evidenced by his .198/.296/.302 triple-slash line with two home runs, nine RBI, and 13 runs scored in 86 at-bats (22 games). Utility man Josh Rojas is seeing more action in the leadoff spot and should be considered in AL-only or deep mixed leagues in Crawford's stead, slashing a robust .297/.366/.516 with three home runs, six RBI, 10 runs scored, and one stolen base in 64 ABs (20 games).

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (neck) threw a bullpen session prior to Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Javier had flown to Chicago on Tuesday to receive treatment and get checked out by team doctors, and he appears to be progressing well in his recovery from discomfort in his neck. There's a chance the 27-year-old star right-hander could come off the 15-day injured list and start in this upcoming weekend's three-game series against the division-rival Seattle Mariners, which begins on Friday. With a 1.54 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and 11 walks through 23 1/3 innings (four starts) for the Stros this season, Javier is certainly a must-stash fantasy player with his return perhaps looming. Rookie righty Spencer Arrighetti will draw Thursday's start against the visiting Cleveland Guardians, but he's given up 13 runs across 10 2/3 frames in Houston's injury-riddled rotation this year.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (hamstring) threw a successful bullpen session before Monday's series opener against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. It coincides with the optimism that Gallen won't need to miss a turn in the rotation after exiting Friday's start against the Seattle Mariners with tightness in his right hamstring. The 28-year-old ace right-hander appears firmly on track to take the hill in Wednesday's scheduled start against the Dodgers, and fantasy managers should be relieved Gallen isn't dealing with a significant injury. Gallen owns a solid 3.38 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 35:9 K:BB over 32 frames (six starts) this year, but he'd be a risky fantasy start in a tough matchup at home if he's ultimately cleared for the start.