Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson (side) is a few days away from returning to baseball activities, according to manager Brandon Hyde. The 23-year-old was held out of action this weekend due to lower side discomfort. The expectation is that Henderson will be back in the lineup within the next week. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect this issue to sideline Henderson to begin the season. The young infielder is looking to build off his strong rookie season where he mashed 37 home runs and knocked in nearly 100 runs across 159 games.

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg (back) has been out of action, but he resumed swinging the bat on Sunday. That is a step in the right direction for Westburg who also threw with more intensity over the weekend. The O's are going to take it slow with Westburg early in camp, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about him being ready for Opening Day. Westburg should be back to playing spring games in the next few days, barring any setbacks.

The St. Louis Cardinals optioned left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn to Triple-A. Horn was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals in January but will begin the 2025 campaign in the minor leagues. Horn made his MLB debut last summer with the Boston Red Sox. Across 18 innings of work, the southpaw held a 6.50 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP. He tallied 13 punchouts with a high 11.8 percent walk rate. He also generated a por .316 xBA and a 6.21 xERA. After allowing 13 earned runs across his first 10 1/3 innings at Triple-A, Horn flipped the script as he posted a strong 2.15 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP over his last 29 1/3 innings with the Worcester Red Sox. Given his strong finish at Triple-A, Horn could push for an early return to the major leagues if he continues this strong play in the St. Louis system.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Zack Thompson (lat) suffered a Grade 1 lat strain and will be shut down from pitching for at least three-to-four weeks. The 27-year-old was viewed as a candidate to open the season in the rotation but could now open the campaign on the injured list. Last season, Thompson logged just 17 innings in the majors and held a high 9.53 ERA with a 1.88 WHIP. He tallied 20 punchouts but served up walks at a high 9.6 percent rate. At Triple-A, the southpaw logged 90 innings to the tune of a 4.40 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He struck out 108 batters but served up a hefty 58 free passes. However, this was a strong improvement compared to the 8.65 ERA he held at the Triple-A level during the 2023 season. With Thompson sidelined, this could open the door for Michael McGreevy or Matthew Liberatore to contend for a spot in the starting rotation.

Chicago Cubs third base prospect Matt Shaw (oblique) made his spring training debut on Sunday afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. The top prospect was held out of action early in camp due to an oblique injury. However, seeing him return early in the Cactus League suggests he should be a full-go by Opening Day. At the plate, Shaw went 0-for-3. The 23-year-old is viewed as the team's starting third baseman as they traded Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros as part of a package to acquire superstar Kyle Tucker earlier in the offseason. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his production during camp as a slow start could encourage the team to ease him into regular season action. Last season, Shaw spent most of the campaign at Double-A and eventually earned a promotion to Triple-A. In 35 games with Triple-A Iowa, Shaw held a strong .298/.395/.534 line with seven home runs and six stolen bases. If Shaw were to be moved to a reserve role, Justin Turner would be the top candidate to see starting opportunities at the hot corner.