Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger is reportedly near the top of the list for ninth-inning options heading into the regular season. White Sox manager Will Venable said he might use multiple players in the closer role, but said Clevinger could be an early favorite for saves on the South Side. The veteran right-hander has done a nice job through a few spring appearances, but this will be his first time being a full-time reliever. Clevinger only made four starts for the White Sox last season, but posted a 3.77 ERA across 24 starts in 2023. Honestly, Clevinger might be a viable closing option, but the White Sox probably aren't going to give him enough chances to warrant rostering him in most fantasy formats.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows (arm) will open the regular season on the 10-day injured list, according to manager A.J. Hinch. This was expected to happen considering Meadows is still dealing with a nerve issue in his right arm. Meadows hasn't made much progress over the last few weeks, so his timetable to return to the field is unclear right now. The absence of Meadows means that Wenceel Perez has a path to everyday playing time in Detroit. Last season, Perez slashed .242/.300/.383 with nine home runs, 37 RBI, and nine stolen bases across 112 games. There could be some deep league value from Perez, assuming he gets everyday at-bats to begin the season.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon has been officially named the Opening Day starter against the Milwaukee Brewers. Well, this honor was going to be given to Gerrit Cole (elbow) before he suffered a season-ending injury. After that, Rodon and Max Fried became the favorites to take the ball on Opening Day. The Yankees have decided to give it to Rodon who is entering his third season in pinstripes. Last season, Rodon posted a 3.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 195/47 K/BB ratio across 32 starts with the Yankees. The Yankees are hopeful that the two-time All-Star can help pick up some of the slack left behind by the injury to Cole.

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) won't need more imaging done on his elbow before he's cleared to throw again, according to manager Brandon Hyde. Rodriguez's throwing progression, which will be a "restart," is expected to begin early next week. "So it's going to take a while," Hyde said. The Baltimore Sun's Jacob Calvin Meyer writes that the Orioles haven't put a timetable on Rodriguez's return, but it's going to be longer than a month. Fantasy managers should expect the 25-year-old to miss at least the first month of the season, barring any setbacks with his right elbow once he starts ramping up. He is dealing with elbow inflammation and was given a cortisone injection in camp. It's a tough break for a pitcher that was on his way to breaking out last year, too, before a lat strain in August ended his season early. Rodriguez's new elbow injury has dropped him all the way to No. 72 in RotoBaller's pitching rankings.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Kyle Wright (hamstring, shoulder) is hoping that he can progress to live batting practice sessions in camp next week, according to MLB.com's Anne Rogers. After already missing all of the 2024 season due to right-shoulder surgery, Wright has missed more time this spring after injuring his hamstring. Even if the 29-year-old former Atlanta Braves pitcher starts facing live hitters next week, he's not going to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. The Royals took a flier on Wright hoping that he can recapture his magical 2022 campaign with Atlanta in which he had a 3.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 174 strikeouts and 53 walks in 180 1/3 innings. However, it was the only one of his six big-league seasons that stands out, and he's made just nine appearances in the last two years due to his shoulder injury. At best, he's stash-worthy in deep AL-only leagues, but don't expect much.