Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (shoulder) received a biologics injection in his right shoulder on Thursday afternoon. The team hopes this injection will help Kirby return to strengthening activities in three to four days. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status. Even though he is expected to open the season on the injured list, he may not face an extended absence. Last summer, the 27-year-old logged a career-high 191 innings and held a 3.53 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP. He tallied 179 punchouts and posted a stellar 3.0 percent walk rate. He generated an above-average 3.44 xERA which suggests he could see some positive regression during the 2025 season. While he is sidelined during the start of the campaign, Emerson Hancock will likely join the starting rotation.

Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez is expected to see most of his starts during the 2025 season as a designated hitter. Manager Joe Espada expressed that they need to keep him healthy. The skipper also noted "Things are going to have to be really awful for me to be running him out there that many games," about him potentially starting more than 50 games in the outfield. Last season, Alvarez made 53 of his 147 starts in left field. However, it appears the coaching staff will ensure that number decreases in the 2025 campaign. As a result, this will open up more starts for Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubon, Zach Dezenzo, and even top prospect Cam Smith. Last season, Alvarez was dominant in the batter's box as he posted a strong .308/.392/.567 line with 35 long balls. He should be viewed as a late first-round target in all fantasy formats.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene could see more opportunities in center field at the start of the season. Last season, Greene made most of his starts in left field but did occasionally get the nod in center. However, due to the numerous injuries in the Detroit outfield, Greene may shift to a permanent role in center field. Parker Meadows (arm) is in danger of missing Opening Day and Matt Vierling (shoulder) and Wenceel Perez (back) are currently sidelined. Across a career-high 137 contests last summer, Greene posted a .262/.348/.479 slash line with 27 doubles and 24 long balls. He generated an elite .353 xwOBA and a .477 xSLG. He drew walks at a solid 11.0 percent rate and generated hard hits at a 47.1 percent rate. If the 24-year-old were to shift to center field, he could be in line to see a career-high in plate appearances, especially if Detroit does not have many proven healthy options behind him on the roster.

Athletics right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock is a favorite to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Murdock has performed well during spring training, which has given him a good opportunity to break camp. Across six 2/3 innings, Murdock has held a strong 0.90 WHIP with six punchouts. He has allowed just two hits with three earned runs. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com noted that he will likely earn a spot in the bullpen. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during camp but it appears he is set to make his MLB debut. Last summer, Murdock made his Triple-A debut and tossed 38 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.76 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. He held a 26:46 BB:K and did not allow a home run. If he makes the Opening Day roster, he will likely open the season in a low-leverage role and carry minimal fantasy value.

Seattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder Luke Raley could see time against left-handed pitching. Last season, the 30-year-old deployed exclusively on the strong side of a platoon. However, manager Dan Wilson suggested that he first base may not be a "strict" platoon in 2025. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in spring training as it could provide clarity on his potential for increased playing time. Last season, Raley held a .243/.320/.463 line with 22 home runs and 11 stolen bases, facing exclusively right-handed pitching. He generated a strong 11.0 percent barrel rate and held a 90.1 mph average exit velocity. Donovan Solano would likely face left-handed pitching if Raley were to revert to a strict platoon. Raley is worth a late-round target especially in deeper formats as he could enjoy a career-season with increased at-bats.