New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said it's going to be at least three months before the team gets right-hander Luis Gil (lat) back this year. The Yankees got another MRI exam on Gil this week, which confirmed what the team said originally of a high-grade lat strain and a six-week shutdown. Don't expect the 26-year-old to return to the Yankees' starting rotation until sometime in June, and that's assuming he doesn't have any setbacks. In the meantime, veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman figures to be the most likely option to take Gil's place in the Opening Day rotation, although Will Warren could make his case by finishing out spring training strong. The loss of Gil for multiple months to begin the 2025 season is a significant one, as he went 15-7 for the Yankees last year with a 3.50 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 171 strikeouts and 77 walks in 151 2/3 innings over 29 regular-season starts.

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (foot, knee) said he's progressing well in his recovery from surgeries on his foot and knee and has thrown off a mound "a couple times." "It's not 100 percent yet but it's getting there. Feels good," Kershaw said. The 36-year-old future Hall of Famer had both of his surgeries in November of last year. As a result, he's unlikely to pitch in any Cactus League games in spring training and is expected to open the 2025 season on the 60-day injured list, which means he won't be able to make his season debut until late May. In what is expected to be the final season of Kershaw's storied career, he obviously won't have much fantasy appeal because of the fact that he'll miss around the first two months of the season. The three-time Cy Young winner and former MVP didn't make his debut last year until late July and held a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in only seven starts.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said on Thursday that he plans to bat first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the two-hole this year, with new outfielder Anthony Santander behind him in the No. 3 spot. "2,3 Vlad and Tony (Santander), and then from there could be Bo (Bichette).. could be Bo 1, could be Bo 4, depending on who we're facing," Schneider said. Guerrero mostly hit third for the Blue Jays in 2024 despite beginning the season in the two-hole. The 25-year-old has been an All-Star each of the last four seasons and went on to hit .323/.396/.544 with a .940 OPS, 30 home runs, 103 RBI and 98 runs scored in 697 plate appearances and 159 games played. Especially with added protection in Santander behind him in the batting order, Vladdy should be considered a top-15 fantasy hitter. He finished last year as the top fantasy first baseman and is ranked there heading into his seventh big-league season.

Boston Red Sox shortstop prospect Marcelo Mayer (illness) has recovered from a stomach illness this week and plans to play in a Grapefruit League game on Friday against the Miami Marlins, according to manager Alex Cora. Mayer is feeling better and will be back in action in spring training this weekend. Per MLB Pipeline, the 22-year-old is the team's No. 3 prospect, behind only outfielder Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell. He's the future at the shortstop position in Boston, but it's still fully expected that the begins the 2025 regular season at Triple-A Worcester for some more development. Hip and back injuries prevented Mayer from playing at all at Worcester last year after he was promoted from Double-A. The 6-foot-3, 188-pounder hasn't played more than 91 games in a single season in the minors due to injuries, so his durability at the next level is a major question mark.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (hamstring) is doing better and will do some running in camp on Thursday. If that goes well, Rafaela will be cleared to return to Grapefruit League action this weekend. Rafaela has been held out of spring training games this week after experiencing hamstring tightness in a game last Sunday. However, he appears to be making good progress and should be just fine for Opening Day in late March, barring a setback once he returns to games. Out of necessity, the 24-year-old was forced to play a lot of middle infield for the BoSox in his rookie season in 2024, but Boston plans on using him as their primary center fielder this year. While Rafaela's glove is way ahead of his bat, hopefully sticking in center will allow him to focus on his offensive game much more in his sophomore season. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 53 fantasy outfielder.