Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle, rib) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the Tokyo, Japan series. Freeman was initially in the starting lineup at the three-hole but was scratched a half-hour before game time. He had surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle last December. The 35-year-old appeared to be ready for Opening Day after hitting .280 (7-for-25) with three home runs, six RBI, and three runs in spring training. For DFS purposes, fantasy managers need to remove Freeman from their lineup. His next chance to return will be Game 2 of the Tokyo Series against the Cubs on Wednesday. Kike Hernandez shifts from left field to first base while Michael Conforto enters the lineup as the Dodgers starting left fielder. Conforto hit .269 (7-for-26) with a home run and three RBI this spring. Update: Freeman was scratched from Tuesday's game versus the Cubs with left rib discomfort and is considered day-to-day.

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo has been performing very well in spring training. Through 14 contests, Manzardo has posted an impressive .368/.415/.658 slash line with two doubles and three home runs. He has held a 2:10 BB:K and added seven RBI. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last summer but posted a modest .234/.282/.421 line across 53 contests. He only went deep five times during this stretch and added 12 doubles. The Guardians typically deployed Manzardo on the strong side of a platoon. Earlier in the campaign, Manzardo held a .267/.393/.548 line with 20 doubles and 20 home runs through 83 contests at the Triple-A level. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but given his play in camp, he will likely open the season as the primary designated hitter against right-handed bats. Fantasy managers looking for a late-round power target should take a flier on Manzardo as he could eventually earn a full-time if he continues to develop.

New York Yankees first baseman/catcher Ben Rice has been showcasing his power during camp. Through 14 contests in the Grapefruit League, the former 12th-round selection has gone deep four times and held a .279/.340/.558 slash line. He has tallied eight RBI and held a 4:13 BB:K ratio. The 26-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and held a .171/.246/.349 slash line with six doubles and seven home runs. Across 30 contests at the Triple-A level, Rice has posted an impressive .294/.428/.661 line with four doubles and 12 long balls. Given his strong play in camp, Rice will likely make the Opening Day roster. While he will likely see most of his time at first base or behind the plate, the injury to Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) could open up the DH spot for Rice. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development, as he could be worth drafting in deeper formats if he continues to hit for power.

The Chicago Cubs have designated right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for top prospect Matt Shaw, who got the starting nod at the hot corner during their regular season opener. If the 30-year-old is not claimed on waivers, he will open the season at the Triple-A level. Last summer, Thompson logged 30 1/3 innings in the major leagues and posted a 2.67 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He tallied 36 strikeouts but held a high 14.2 percent walk rate. During the 2023 campaign, Thompson posted a high 4.71 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP across 28 2/3 innings of work. Through 74 1/3 career innings at Triple-A, the former third-round selection has held a 4.48 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. Thompson could return to the majors later in the season if the Cubs need additional depth in their bullpen.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitching prospect Michael McGreevy could make the starting rotation if the Cardinals opt to use a six-man rotation. John Denton of MLB.com noted that the young right-hander could operate as a starter and swingman. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and performed quite well. Through 23 innings, McGreevy posted a 1.96 ERA with a strong 0.78 WHIP. During spring training, McGreevy has allowed just two runs across 11 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, as he is competing for a spot in the rotation. If he were to continue to perform well in camp, he could even become the No. 5 starter. Andre Pallante and Steven Matz are expected to be the No. 4 and No. 5 starters in the rotation. If McGreevy breaks camp as a starter, he does carry intriguing late-round value, given his success this spring.