Baltimore Orioles closer Felix Bautista (elbow), who has been cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut on Monday against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, figures to be eased in early on in 2025 after missing all of last year due to Tommy John surgery. "I'm going to be as careful as I possibly can. I don't see him going back-to-back days. I don't see him going 1-pluses. I'm going to have to be careful about getting him up and sitting him down," manager Brandon Hyde said. In terms of who might fill in for a save chance on days that Bautista isn't available, Hyde mentioned Andrew Kittredge, Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez. "I think it's probably a mix and match at that point." It's unclear exactly when the kid gloves will come off Bautista this year, but Hyde did mention "especially in the first half." Still, Bautista should be viewed as a top-10 fantasy closer.

The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent right-hander Hector Neris to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes a non-roster invite to big-league spring training. Neris will join the Braves and look to compete for a spot in their Opening Day bullpen, probably as more of a middle-relief option. The 35-year-old veteran does have 107 career saves in 11 MLB seasons over his career, including 18 last year with the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros, but as long as Raisel Iglesias is healthy for the Braves, Neris probably won't see any save chances at all in Atlanta. Despite saving 18 games in 2024, Neris held a 4.10 ERA (4.28 FIP), 1.39 WHIP, 64 strikeouts and 28 walks in 59 1/3 innings. His 12.3% swinging-strike rate and 24.6% strikeout rate were his lowest marks since 2015. Don't expect Neris to be much of a late-inning option for the Braves if he makes the team.

Atlanta Braves catching prospect Drake Baldwin will have a chance to open the 2025 regular season as the team's starting backstop now that Sean Murphy (rib) will have to miss the next four to six weeks due to a cracked left rib that he suffered when he was hit by a pitch in a Grapefruit League game last Friday. Murphy will begin the season on the injured list. The Braves also have Chadwick Tromp, Sandy Leon and Curt Casali as options at catcher, but Baldwin, although he's yet to play in the majors, gives Atlanta much more upside across the board. The 23-year-old is the Braves' top prospect after he hit .276/.370/.423 with 18 home runs for Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett last year. If the Braves actually open up a 40-man roster spot for Baldwin to begin the year, he'll be worth rostering in two-catcher and NL-only leagues for however long he's up.

The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen writes that Detroit Tigers designated hitter Jahmai Jones could be a dark-horse candidate to make the Opening Day roster if outfielder Parker Meadows (arm) opens the year on the injured list. Outfielder Ryan Kreidler, who can also play shortstop in a pinch, is another option. However, Jones is a utility player that has spent most of his time in the outfield in spring training while playing well early in camp. The 27-year-old had a .925 OPS in just 25 plate appearances against lefties in 2024 and also had an .883 OPS against lefties at Triple-A. He isn't currently on the 40-man roster, but his ability to play the outfield and hit lefties could give him the edge. If the Tigers bring in a right-handed batter who can also play center field before spring training ends, though, Jones could be ticketed for Triple-A Toledo to begin the year.

The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen doesn't have Detroit Tigers infielder Trey Sweeney as a lock to be the team's starting shortstop on Opening Day in late March. Carrying both Sweeney and Zach McKinstry would make the Tigers extremely left-handed and could force outfielder Kerry Carpenter into the lineup against left-handed pitchers. Stavenhagen projects Sweeney opening the 2025 season at Triple-A Toledo, while Javier Baez (hip) and McKinstry share duties at the 6. The bottom line is that the Tigers aren't just going to give the job to the 24-year-old Sweeney, even though he played well late last year to help Detroit get into the playoffs. In a best-case scenario, he could be on the strong side of a platoon at shortstop against right-handed pitchers. Remember, Sweeney had just two hits in 22 at-bats over seven postseason games and probably could use a little more minor-league seasoning.