Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (knee) left Sunday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles early after picking up a knee bruise. The good news is that he was removed from the game for precautionary reasons and is on record stating that if it were the regular season, he "most definitely" would have stayed in the game. The 27-year-old slipped on the warning track in the first inning, landing hard on his knee. He'd again land on the same knee in the third, making a catch in center field. While it isn't thought to be a significant issue, manager Rob Thomson noted that he won't play on Monday as previously scheduled. Fellow outfielder Max Kepler also left Sunday's outing early, and the Phillies are beginning to get thin at that position. Fortunately, both can be considered day-to-day.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (hamstring) is expected to begin the season on the injured list. Lewis pulled up early, trying to beat out a grounder during Sunday's spring training outing, and immediately exited the game. The 25-year-old is set for an MRI on Monday, but the team expects him to start the year on the IL. It's unfortunate news for him, as injuries plagued Lewis' season in 2024, with a quadriceps injury and adductor strain robbing him of a significant portion of the year. The former first-overall pick was solid pre-All-Star break last season (.292 average), but his play suffered after the adductor ailment. Expect teammates Willi Castro and Brooks Lee to fill in at third base during his absence.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop/outfielder Mookie Betts (illness) will not play in the season-opening two-game series in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19, according to manager Dave Roberts. Betts came down with an illness right before the team left for Japan, and it held him out of the team's exhibition games on Saturday and Sunday against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, respectively. The 32-year-old former MVP isn't quite ready, and the Dodgers are considering sending him back to L.A. early so that he can continue to recover for the U.S. season opener on March 27 against the visiting Detroit Tigers. We'd be surprised if Betts isn't ready by then, but we'll continue to monitor his status closely. With Betts out this coming week against Chicago, expect veteran Miguel Rojas to start both games at the 6 for the Blue.

The Chicago Cubs have optioned outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa. Alcantara was in the mix for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will instead begin his season at the top level of the minor leagues. Last season, the 22-year-old made his MLB debut. Across a short three-game stint, the outfielder tallied just one hit. Earlier in the season, he appeared in 76 contests at the Double-A level and posted a .271/.342/.409 line with 13 doubles and nine long balls. He was then promoted to Triple-A, where he held an impressive .292/.378/.492 slash line with eight doubles and five long balls across his first 35 games at that level. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his progress, as he should return to the majors when the Cubs need additional depth in their outfield. During the start of the regular season, Vidal Brujan will operate as the depth outfielder.

The Detroit Tigers have optioned third baseman Jace Jung to Triple-A Toledo. The 24-year-old was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will instead continue his development at the top level of the minor leagues. Last season, Jung made his MLB debut and held a .241/.362/.304 line with five doubles. He held a 15:29 BB:K. Jung drew walks at an impressive 16.0 percent rate but generated a low .219 xBA. At Triple-A last season, the infielder posted a solid .257/.377/.454 line with 23 doubles and 14 long balls. In 2023, Jung spent most of his campaign at Double-A, where he posted a .284/.373/.563 line with nine doubles and 14 long balls. Fantasy managers should expect Zach McKinstry and Andy Ibanez to cover the hot corner at the start of the season with Matt Vierling (shoulder) sidelined. Jung will likely be in the mix for an early return to the majors if he performs well at Triple-A.