Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin is not guaranteed a place in the team's bullpen. Earlier this week, Chafin signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers to return to the Motor City for his third stint. However, manager A.J. Hinch said that he will be a part of the "open competition." Last season, Chafin split time with the Tigers and Texas Rangers. With the Tigers, he held a 3.16 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP across 37 innings of work. With Texas, he held a higher 4.19 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP across 19 1/3 innings. Chafin generated an elite 35.1 percent chase rate and a 34.5 percent whiff rate, which placed him in the 95th percentile among qualified pitchers. The southpaw also generates strikeouts at a strong 28.5 percent rate with a solid 34.0 percent hard-hit rate. If Chafin were to perform well in camp, he would likely earn a middle-relief role.

Atlanta Braves starting pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday. As a result, Waldrep will begin the 2025 campaign at the top level of the minor leagues. Last season, the right-hander made his MLB debut but struggled as he allowed 13 earned runs across seven innings of work. The 22-year-old made one appearance during spring training before being optioned to the minor leagues. Waldrep spent the majority of the 2024 campaign with Double-A, where he held a strong 2.92 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across 49 1/3 innings of work. During his first 40 innings at Triple-A, the former first-round selection in the 2023 MLB Draft held a high 3.38 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP. If Waldrep performs well at Triple-A during the opening months of the season, he should push an early return to the major leagues.

Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen has enjoyed an impressive start to spring training. During his first five games in the Cactus League, the 23-year-old has gone 4-for-13 with two doubles, one home run, four RBI, and three stolen bases. He has only struck out once and held a strong 1.049 OPS. The former ninth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft has battled injuries throughout his minor league career but has performed very well when on the field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development during camp, as a strong spring could open the door for an early 2025 MLB debut. Last summer, the Spruce Creek HS product logged 65 games in the minor leagues. Across his first 21 contests at the Triple-A level, Veen held a .220/.281/.476 line with six home runs and six swiped bags. Veen could become an intriguing late-round flier in deeper formats if he continues this elite production during spring training.

The X-rays on Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Xavier Isaac (shoulder) came back negative. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Isaac should resume hitting in the "next few days" and will "work back into throwing." Isaac has begun to see work in the outfield during camp. However, he felt soreness in his elbow when making a throw. However, seeing that the X-rays returned clean suggests Isaac will not miss much time. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his deployment during spring training as the team may ease his workload in the outfield for a period of time. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, the 21-year-old has primarily played at first base, but the Rays would like to add to his defensive versatility. He made his Double-A debut last summer and held a .211/.346/.349 line across 31 games. He will likely open the season with Double-A Montgomery and push for a Triple-A debut later in the season.

Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker struggled in his spring debut on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals. Rocker tossed one inning of work but allowed a hefty four runs and four hits. He only tallied one punchout. He allowed two doubles, one to Vinnie Pasquantino and the other to Nick Pratto, which brought in all four runs. Rocker is expected to compete for a spot in the Opening Day rotation. However, given this debut, he may have to open the season in the minor leagues. Rocker has battled numerous injuries throughout his young career. Last summer, he logged a career-high 36 2/3 innings in the minor leagues. Across three levels, he held a strong 1.96 ERA with a 0.79 WHIP. This earned him a late-season MLB debut, where he logged 11 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.86 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. Cody Bradford or Dane Dunning could take his spot in the rotation if he continues to struggle.