Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. (undisclosed) was scratched from Saturday's lineup. As a result, Darren Baker got the starting nod at the keystone. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as the team did not provide much context about his injury. Last season, Garcia logged a career-high 140 games in his fifth-MLB campaign. Across this stint, Garcia posted a career-best .282/.318/.444 slash line with 25 doubles and 18 home runs. He swiped 22 bags and added 58 runs and 70 RBI. He showed a strong eye at the plate as he only struck out at a 16.3 percent rate. He also generated a .278 xBA. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Garcia to operate as the team's primary second baseman. However, last season, he did sit occasionally against southpaws, which slightly hinders his fantasy value.

Colorado Rockies right-handed pitcher Justin Lawrence was placed on waivers. After posting a 3.72 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP during the 2023 season, Lawrence took a step back in 2024 as he held a 6.49 ERA with a 11.78 WHIP. In 2023, Lawrence tallied 11 saves and tallied 78 punchouts across 75 frames. However, in 2024, Lawrence tallied just two saves with 45 strikeouts across 59 2/3 innings. Last summer, Lawrence generated a high 6.23 xERA and a .300 xBA which placed him in the first percentile in both metrics. He also generated whiffs at a low 22.6 percent rate and strikeouts at a 16.1 percent rate, which were both well below the average marks. Given his struggles last season, Lawrence will likely not draw extensive interest on waivers.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Drew Thorpe (elbow) threw a successful bullpen session on Friday. After the session, Thorpe noted that he feels "less sore" and that he is in a "good spot." Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status as he continues to work his way back from surgery to remove a bone spur. Thorpe has faced several setbacks throughout the offseason, making it difficult for him to be cleared in time for Opening Day. Last season, the 24-year-old made his MLB debut and posted a 5.48 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings. He tallied just 25 punchouts and allowed walks at a high 11. 1 percent rate. However, at Double-A, Thorpe held a strong 1.35 ERA with a 0.87 WHIP across 60 innings of work. When healthy, Thorpe should have a spot in the starting rotation and carry value in deeper formats.

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jordan Romano tossed a shutout frame in his spring debut. This was his first time facing live hitters since May as he battled a right elbow injury during most of the 2024 season. His fastball reached 98 mph, which did not dip below 96 mph. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout camp but seeing him perform well in his first taste of spring training is a positive sign. Last season, the 31-year-old was limited to just 13 2/3 innings of work. Romano posted a high 6.59 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP during this brief stint. He tallied 13 punchouts and served up four free passes. However, during 2022 and 2023, Romano tallied at least 36 saves in each campaign and held a cumulative 2.49 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Romano to operate as the team's go-to option in the ninth innings if he continues to perform at this level during camp.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) threw live batting practice on Saturday. The right-hander threw 20 pitches and hit 94.7 mph on his fastball. He was able to mix in his curveball, changeup, and sinker. The 31-year-old underwent surgery to repair a flexor tendon. He faced a setback last season but appears to be on track to return to the big league mound. The 31-year-old last saw MLB action during the 2022 campaign. During this season, McCullers held a 2.27 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP across 47 2/3 innings. He tallied 50 punchouts. In 2021, McCullers posted a 3.16 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP across a career-high 162 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could be nearing his Grapefruit League debut. When cleared to return, he should earn a spot in the starting rotation.