New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (back) threw a two-up bullpen session on Tuesday at camp and expects to throw live batting practice by this weekend, according to the New York Post's Greg Joyce. Schmidt is behind in spring training due to a minor back injury. However, as long as he doesn't suffer a setback this weekend, he could be cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut sooner than later. There's still time for the 29-year-old to get ready for Opening Day in late March. If healthy, Schmidt will surely be part of New York's Opening Day starting rotation. The former first-rounder missed three months last year with a right-lat strain, but he was impressive when he was available, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 93 strikeouts in 85 1/3 innings over 16 starts. If he can stay healthy in 2025, Schmidt has the ability to take the next step for fantasy managers.

The New York Post's Greg Joyce reports that New York Yankees right-hander Jake Cousins (forearm), who reported to spring training with a forearm strain, is scheduled to begin a throwing program on Monday after a five-week shutdown. "I'm ready to go," Cousins said. He will not be ready by Opening Day at the end of March, but barring a setback once he resumes throwing, Cousins might be able to make his 2025 debut early in April. The 30-year-old reliever had a strong first year with the Yankees in 2024, posting a 2.37 ERA (4.06 FIP), a 1.05 WHIP, his first career save, a career-high 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 38 relief innings. Cousins rode the success of his slider, which generated a 47.7% whiff rate, to earn a high-leverage role in the Yankees' bullpen in the second half. His swing-and-miss stuff is real, but control issues could be a problem with more exposure.

MLB.com's Keegan Matheson reports that Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander has been away from camp while sorting out visa issues. However, Santander will be back in Dunedin on Wednesday night and is expected to play in a Grapefruit League game on Friday, according to manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays' offseason acquisition initially reported to camp but then had to leave to take care of the visa issues. It should be all sorted out now, though. The 30-year-old adds plenty of pop to the heart of Toronto's batting order for the 2025 season after inking a five-year, $92.5 million deal in free agency in the offseason. The switch-hitter clubbed a career-high 44 home runs in his final season in Baltimore in 2024 and could be the Jays' primary designated hitter in his first season in Canada. Although some regression wouldn't be a surprise, Santander is a pretty good bet for 30-plus homers if he stays healthy.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jonatan Clase (hamstring) has been running and could play in Grapefruit League games by the weekend, according to manager John Schneider. Clase is working his way through a sore hamstring, but it's a minor issue and should not be a factor at all by Opening Day in late March. The 22-year-old should have a good shot to win an Opening Day roster spot with Toronto as outfield depth, too, with Daulton Varsho (shoulder) expected to open the 2025 regular season on the injured list. The switch-hitting Dominican outfielder was acquired in a trade from the Seattle Mariners in 2024 and hit a combined .246/.303/.328 with a homer, five RBI and three stolen bases in 26 total games (seven with Toronto) in his first MLB season. Clase is still a work in progress as a hitter and defender and doesn't have much power, but his 99th-percentile speed could make him an asset in deeper fantasy leagues if he finds the playing time.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow, shoulder) will make his Cactus League debut on Friday against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, according to the Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris. Ohtani, who had surgery in November to fix the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, will serve as the designated hitter and will be ready to go as a hitter for the March 18 opener in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs. The 30-year-old three-time MVP didn't pitch at all in 2024 in his first year with the Dodgers after having Tommy John surgery, and he's unlikely to make his 2025 debut on the mound until early May. Ohtani's right elbow certainly didn't give him problems at the plate last year, as he clubbed over 50 homers and stole over 50 bases to make major-league history. As a DH, the Japanese sensation will be the first player off the board in most fantasy drafts.