Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes belted his first home run of the spring in Monday's 12-8 Cactus League win over the Brewers. It was a three-run blast to center field, and the 20-year-old also walked twice, then came around to score both times in a big day at the plate. Montes is Seattle's second-ranked prospect and MLB's No. 42 overall, and although he's not expected to play in the majors this season, he's got a ton of power in his bat that would provide a Mariner lineup some punch it desperately needs after finishing bottom-third in the league in runs scored per game last season. The left-handed slugger hit 21 home runs in 448 at-bats last season between Single-A and High-A as a 19-year-old, but also hit .288 and recorded a 14.4 percent walk rate. The Cuban has a chance to shoot higher up prospect lists this season, and dynasty managers should already be eyeing him with a chance to see the big leagues in 2026.

The New York Mets have acquired outfielder Alexander Canario from the Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. The 24-year-old was recently DFA'd by the Cubs after the team signed Justin Turner. Canario has some major league experience, going 12-for-42 (.286) with a pair of home runs during his two stints in the big leagues between 2023 and 2024, but struggles with strikeouts. The right-handed hitter has a 42.2 percent K% in his limited service time (2:19 BB:K). He has, however, shown big-time power in the minors, blasting as many as 37 in 2022 across three levels, and another 18 last season at Triple-A in only 247 at-bats. The Mets have been bitten by the injury bug early this spring, so Canario will provide some depth in the event they need another bat. He's off the fantasy radar for now, though.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) threw a bullpen session on Monday. This was an essential step for him before facing live hitters. He is expected to face live hitters this weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he works his way back from forearm soreness. The right-hander has not pitched in a game since the 2022 campaign due to numerous arm injuries. The 31-year-old is not expected to be ready for Opening Day but could return during the first half of the 2025 season if he continues this current pace. In 2022, the right-hander posted a strong 2.27 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP across 47 2/3 innings. He tallied 50 punchouts but held a high 11.3 percent walk rate. When McCullers is cleared to return to the majors, he will likely compete for a spot in the back of the rotation. During the start of the season, Hayden Wesneski should receive several starting opportunities while McCullers is sidelined.

San Francisco Giants infielder/outfielder Tyler Fitzgerald (back) has been cleared to participate fully in baseball activities and is expected to play in games during the weekend. Fitzgerald has been limited with a lower-back injury during the early part of camp. However, seeing him return to full activities suggests he will not face any restrictions by Opening Day. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he begins to increase his workload in case he faces a setback. After appearing in just 10 MLB contests during the 2023 campaign, Fitzgerald logged a career-high 96 games in 2024. The 27-year-old performed well as he held a .280/.334/.497 slash line with 19 doubles, 15 home runs, and 17 stolen bases. However, he generated a low .227 xBA, suggesting he may face some regression. When healthy, he should see most of his time at second base but may be given occasional starts in the outfield.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos (oblique) expects to return to spring training action next Tuesday. The outfielder tweaked his oblique earlier in camp but is not expected to miss much time. Ramos noted he had begun throwing on Monday and will start hitting on Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. However, seeing him already begin throwing and nearing a return to hitting suggests the injury was not serious. Last season, the 25-year-old logged a career-high 121 games in the majors. He posted a .269/.322/.469 line with 22 home runs and six stolen bases. He generated an elite .481 xSLG with a 14.5 percent barrel rate. When healthy, Ramos should see every day starts in left field.