San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Bryan Hoeing (shoulder) began playing catch earlier this week. Hoeing has been delayed during the start of camp due to shoulder soreness. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could still be cleared by Opening Day if he continues to progress at a steady rate. Last season, the 28-year-old was deployed primarily as a reliever but did make two starts across his 34 games. He split time with the Marlins and Padres and logged 53 2/3 innings with a 2.18 ERA and a stellar 1.06 WHIP. However, with San Diego, the Louisville product was quite effective as he tossed 23 2/3 innings of relief with a 1.52 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP. He held a 5:18 BB:K ratio. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Hoeing to have a middle-relief role in the San Diego bullpen.

San Diego Padres right-handed pitching prospect Juan Nunez (shoulder) threw his first bullpen session on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has been dealing with a shoulder injury and is slowly building up. Seeing him throw his first session relatively early in camp leaves the door open for him to be cleared for action by Opening Day. Nunez was selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Padres in December and must spend the 2025 season on the MLB roster or he would have to offered back to Baltimore. Last season, the right-hander spent the season in the Orioles organization. Across 29 1/3 innings at the High-A level, Nunez held a 2.45 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. However, the team could opt to have him open the season on the injured list to keep him on the roster. For now, fantasy managers should expect Nunez not to carry any value in standard formats in the foreseeable future.

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel worked to improve his bat speed during the offseason. Last season, the former 11th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft placed in the second percentile in bat speed (65.2 mph). He generated a weak 25.4 percent hard-hit rate and a 3.5 percent barrel rate which placed him in the fourth and ninth percentiles respectively. Across a career-high 147 contests last season, Schanuel held a .250/.343/.362 line with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases. However, despite the modest power outputs, the Florida Atlantic showed a strong eye at the plate as he drew walks at an 11.2 percent rate and only struck out at a 17.0 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Schanuel to operate as the starting first baseman in Los Angeles and could be worth a look in deeper formats if he shows power improvement during spring training.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joey Loperfido (neck/back) is in Friday's starting lineup for their split-squad game against the New York Yankees. Loperfido has been sidelined since Tuesday after colliding into the outfield wall. He did not have any concussion symptoms and was sidelined for the next few days. However, seeing him return to the lineup on Friday suggests this injury was not very serious. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Last season, Loperfido made his MLB debut and held a .214/.264/.350 line with four home runs and four stolen bases. He held a high 36.3 percent strikeout rate. However, in the minors, Loperfido flashed elite power as he launched 13 home runs with a .933 OPS across 39 games. Loperfido is expected to compete for the left field job during spring training.

Detroit Tigers second baseman/outfielder Wenceel Perez is set to see increased opportunities in the outfield with Matt Vierling (shoulder) and Parker Meadows (biceps) sidelined. Vierling is dealing with a right shoulder injury and is to undergo further evaluation. Meadows is dealing with inflammation but did not suffer any structural damage. The 25-year-old is likely to be cleared for baseball activities in the coming days. However, for the time being, Perez could have an increased role in camp. Last season, Perez logged 105 of his starts in the outfield. However, he spent most of his time at the keystone in the minor leagues. Across his first 112 games in the majors, Perez posted a .242/.300/.383 line. He hit 12 doubles, nine home runs, and swiped nine bags. Fantasy managers should expect Perez to operate as a depth option during the regular season and only have value in deeper formats.