Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) will likely open the season on the injured list. Swanson felt discomfort in his right elbow after throwing a bullpen and is set to undergo an MRI. Even though the team is still waiting for the results, the reliever is expected to open the season on the IL. Last season, Swanson posted a 5.03 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings of work. He tallied just 37 punchouts and served up walks at a modest 8.3 percent rate. However, during the 2023 campaign, Swanson was a dominant piece in the Toronto bullpen as he held a 2.97 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. Across 66 2/3 innings, he tallied 75 punchouts and earned a career-high 29 holds while operating as the primary setup man. While Swanson is sidelined early in the campaign, fantasy managers should expect Yimi Garcia and Chad Green to be the setup options while Jeff Hoffman sees most of the save opportunities.

Free-agent right-hander Kyle Gibson is throwing in simulated settings and still plans to pitch in 2025, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports. Gibson ha reached 60 pitches over three innings while throwing live batting practice to college teams. The 37-year-old veteran has averaged around 180 innings per year over the last four seasons and could be worth a flier late this spring for a team that has questions surrounding their starting-pitching depth. He became a free agent when the St. Louis Cardinals declined his $12 million club option for the 2025 season back in October. Gibson has made 30-plus starts in each of the last three seasons but doesn't have much fantasy upside, as he's posted a 4.68 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with a below-average 20.1% strikeout rate and 7.6% walk rate in 529 1/3 innings. At best, Gibson would be a low-upside DFS streamer if he signs with a team and finds a starting role in 2025.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill (ribs) is hoping to return to the starting lineup on Sunday. O'Neill is expected to go through a workout on Saturday and is "feeling much better." O'Neill was scratched on Thursday due to left rib cage soreness but appears to be nearing a return. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback prior to Sunday's contest. Earlier in the offseason, the Orioles signed O'Neill to a three-year $49.5 million contract. Last season, the 29-year-old enjoyed a productive season in Boston as he launched 31 long balls with a .241/.336/.511 slash line with 18 doubles and four stolen bases. He generated an elite 48.8 percent hard-hit rate with a strong .480 xSLG. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect O'Neill to have an everyday role in the Baltimore left field.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (hamstring) is in Saturday's lineup. He will cover center field and bat in the cleanup. Rafaela has dealt with hamstring tightness throughout the week but has been cleared for action. Seeing him return to the lineup suggests he will not face any restrictions by Opening Day. Last season, the 24-year-old appeared in a career-high 152 contests and held a .246/.274/.390 slash line. He tallied 23 doubles, five triples and 15 home runs. He swiped 19 bags but was caught stealing 10 times. However, he generated a weak .229 xBA with a low 36.3 percent hard-hit rate. He held a high 26.4 percent strikeout rate with a low 2.6 percent walk rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Rafaela to see most of his time in center field with occasional starts at second base and shortstop.

New York Mets right-handed pitcher Max Kranick has performed very well through his first taste of spring training. Across seven innings, Kranick has tossed seven shutout frames with four hits, no walks, and eight punchouts. Given his strong performance, he could become a favorite to land a spot in the bullpen. The 27-year-old has not appeared in a major league contest since the 2022 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through 43 2/3 career innings in the majors, Kranick has held a 5.56 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP. Last summer, the right-hander logged 63 innings with Triple-A Syracuse to the tune of a 3.57 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. He tallied 53 punchouts with 20 free passes. With Sean Reid-Foley recently placed on waivers and A.J. Minter (hip) and Dedniel Nunez (elbow) in danger of not being ready for Opening Day, Kranick could become a favorite to make the roster. If he does earn a spot, he will likely have a middle-relief role.