Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Severino will toe the rubber for the team on Opening Day. It comes as little surprise, considering the 31-year-old is the most qualified of his rotation-mates to do so. Severino pitched a full workload last season for the first time since 2018 -- the last time he threw more than 102 innings in a campaign. He was solid for the New York Mets -- if unspectacular -- notching an 8.0 K/9 and 3.91 ERA in 182 innings -- right in line with his xERA of 3.88. Oakland's rotation contains a few new, interesting arms in 2025, including Severino and former Tampa Bay Rays starter Jeffrey Springs. Only time will tell if it helps them improve from the third-worst record in the American League in 2024 (69-93).

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that right-handed reliever Jake Cousins (forearm) is throwing out to 90 feet at camp. Cousins suffered a right-forearm strain early in spring training, which has kept him from pitching in any games. While the 30-year-old veteran is making progress, there's just not enough time for him to get his arm built up with Opening Day coming next Thursday. However, if Cousins is able to avoid any setbacks with his arm when he gets back on the mound, he could be ready to rejoin New York's bullpen and make his 2025 debut early in April. He was impressive for the Yankees last year after being acquired in a trade with the White Sox, posting a career-low 2.37 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, his first career save, a career-high 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 38 relief innings in the regular season. Although he won't really be an option for saves, he could return to a high-leverage setup role when healthy.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that infielder DJ LeMahieu (calf) is "moving the needle" in his recovery from a left-calf strain and has been hitting in camp. LeMahieu suffered the calf injury over two weeks ago, and while he appears to be improving, it's likely that he'll start the 2025 regular season on the injured list with Opening Day coming next Thursday. After a disastrous 2024 campaign in which he hit just .204/.269/.259 with two home runs and 26 RBI in only 67 games due to injuries, the 36-year-old veteran's fantasy stock has tanked after his latest calf injury. LeMahieu will be in play for plenty of playing time at third base in the Bronx once he's healthy, but Oswaldo Cabrera is set to open the season there and could keep LeMahieu relegated to more of a bench role if he performs well in the early going. Fantasy managers can avoid LeMahieu in mixed leagues.

New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (back) was pulled from Monday's Grapefruit League game early against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays with back soreness, according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner. Goldschmidt told reporters that he's been dealing with a sore back for a few days and he's not concerned about missing Opening Day next Thursday. The 37-year-old veteran went 0-for-1 with a walk before leaving Monday's game. He should be considered day-to-day for now, but if Goldy is unable to return after a few days, he could be forced to open the season on the injured list as a precaution. The seven-time All-Star and former MVP had another down year in 2024 with the Cardinals but came into Monday's spring game with a .323 average, three home runs and 10 RBI in 12 Grapefruit League games. He could bounce back in the Bronx, but it's also possible Goldy will continue to decline.

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) will play catch in camp on Tuesday as he begins his throwing program, according to manager Brandon Hyde. Rodriguez had been shut down from throwing in spring training due to right-elbow inflammation that will put him on the injured list to begin the 2025 regular season. The Orioles haven't put a timetable on when he might make his season debut, but if he doesn't suffer any setbacks after resuming throwing, it's possible we might see him at the end of April. The 25-year-old was on his way to a breakout season in 2024 before suffering a season-ending lat strain in early August. He's still worth stashing in all fantasy leagues, but his elbow injury this spring has certainly put a damper on his fantasy outlook. RotoBaller now has Rodriguez ranked as the No. 72 fantasy starting pitcher.