New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) is undergoing diagnostic tests on his throwing elbow. The team is expected to learn more information on his status in the coming days. In his most recent spring training contest, Cole allowed six earned runs across two 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old missed almost the entire first half of the 2024 season due to right elbow inflammation. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but another elbow injury could put him in danger of missing time. When he returned to action last season, Cole logged 95 innings with a 3.41 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. He tallied 99 punchouts and held a solid 7.4 percent walk rate. However, he generated a low 38.3 percent ground-ball rate with a modest 39.5 percent hard-hit rate. The Yankees could be without another starting pitcher to open the campaign as Luis Gil (lat) is set to miss three months of action. As a result, Marcus Stroman will likely start the season in the rotation. If Cole were to miss time as well, prospect Will Warren could emerge as a potential starting candidate.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) is "concerned" about the status of his throwing elbow. However, the right-hander is seeking second opinions and that he has "some hope." Cole underwent testing on his throwing elbow on Friday evening. Cole dealt with inflammation in this throwing elbow last season, which kept him sidelined for almost the entire first half. As a result, it appears Cole and the Yankees are preparing for the worst-case scenario as Cole may need to miss time in the regular season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as a second option could provide clarity on his injury. When he returned to action last season, the 34-year-old held a 3.41 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP across 95 innings. He tallied 99 punchouts and held a solid 7.4 percent walk rate. If Cole were to miss time, this could open the door for prospect Will Warren to begin the season in the major leagues.

Houston Astros third base prospect Cam Smith could make the Opening Day roster. The Astros acquired Cam Smith, Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder Kyle Tucker earlier in the offseason. Through the early part of spring training, the former 14th overall pick has been very productive holding a .636/.733/.1.364 slash line with two home runs, a triple, seven RBI, and a 4:1 BB:K ratio. Even though Smith only has 32 games of MiLB experience as he was drafted from last year's rookie class, the Astros could use additional depth in their infield if Christian Walker (oblique) is not ready for Opening Day. Walker underwent an MRI earlier this week and appears to have avoided a significant injury but could still miss time. However, if Smith begins his 2025 campaign at Triple-A, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development as he could push for an early-season MLB debut given his strong play at spring training.

The Baltimore Orioles have sent pitching prospect Brandon Young to minor-league camp. The 26-year-old was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will instead continue his development in the minors to open the campaign. Last season, Young spent most of the season at Triple-A Norfolk, where he held a 3.44 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP across 89 innings of work. He tallied 96 punchouts and served up 33 free passes. Earlier in the campaign, the right-hander logged 22 innings at Double-A, where he posted a 4.09 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP. Young has been deployed primarily as a starter throughout his minor-league career but may find a role in the majors pitching out of the bullpen, as the Orioles have several other young starting pitchers in their system, including Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) completed a 30-pitch bullpen session on Friday. The right-hander used all of his pitches in this session. During the two simulated innings, Strider tallied two strikeouts. Even though the 26-year-old will begin the 2025 season on the injured list, he will likely not be sidelined for an extended period of time. Strider saw his 2024 season cut short after he underwent an internal brace procedure. He made just two starts before undergoing the operation. In 2023, Strider tallied an impressive 281 strikeouts (most in the National League) with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 186 2/3 innings of work. During this season, he generated a stellar 3.09 xERA with a .273 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be one of the most valuable pitchers in fantasy once he returns to the bump.