Texas Rangers pitching prospect Kumar Rocker tossed 4 2/3 innings on Thursday, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight in the 7-4 Cactus League loss to the Rockies. It was a step in the right direction after the 6-foot-5 hurler had given up 11 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings pitched while striking out just four batters over his first three starts. The former first-rounder threw 47 of 76 pitches for strikes and also recorded 12 whiffs and averaged 97.2 mph on his four-seamer. The final rotation spot is a competition between Rocker and Jack Leiter. While Thursday's start helps Rocker's case, Leiter likely has the inside track with a better performance this spring andmore MLB experience. Both are worthy of a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues when they are in the rotation, but that might be later this year for one of them.

White Sox pitching prospect Shane Smith has made the team's Opening Day roster after four spring starts in which he allowed four earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out 11 in 10 2/3 innings pitched. Chicago selected the righty in December's Rule 5 Draft from the Brewers' organization, so he'll need to stick with the White Sox all season or he'll be returned to the Brewers. The 6-foot-3 hurler worked as both a starter and reliever last season at Double-A but exclusively as a reliever at Triple-A, postinga 3.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a strong 22.0 percent K-BB% over a total of 94 1/3 IP. He and Bryse Wilson were competing for the final rotation spot and it isn't clearwhich one will earn the job, but both can work as either a starter or reliever. If it is Smith who earns the job, he could be worthy of a roster spot in deeper leagues with his strikeout ability, although don't expect too many wins given his environment.

New York Yankees starting pitcher prospect Will Warren stumbled for the second consecutive spring start, allowing four earned runs on seven hits (including two home runs) and two walks whilestriking out three in Thursday's 9-7 Grapefruit League win over the Orioles. The good news, however, was that the righty was able to throw 74 pitches, potentiallygetting him closer to locking down a rotation spot for New York. The Yankees will already be without Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil to begin the season, but now Clarke Schmidt looks like he won't be ready either, which would all but guarantee Warren's role. Although the 25-year-old got hit around his last two starts, he looked impressive over his first three and still boasts a 5:19 BB:K over his 19 1/3 Grapefruit League innings. The Yankees' second-ranked pitching prospect would be worthy of a roster spot in deeper leagues given his strong strikeout stuff and potential to rack up wins with that offensive backing.

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Blake Dunn went 2-for-2 in Thursday's 11-8 Cactus League loss to the Royals, showcasing his speed by lacing a triple and his power by belting a home run, collectingtwo RBI in the process. It brings his spring batting average to .317 with two home runs and eight RBI in 41 at-bats. Dunn is currently projected to be the fifth outfielder for the Reds, who made his MLB debut last season. The right-handed hitter struggled to a .154 AVG (4-for-26) with 11 strikeouts (37.9 percent) during his limited action. Despite those results, the 26-year-old has shown he's got some pop in his bat, belting as many as 23 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2023 and stealing 54 bases that season. He hit seven home runs at Triple-A in 2024 and a 10.7 percent walk rate helped him get on base to steal 21 bags. Without a starting job, though, the 5-foot-10 slugger isn't an option for fantasy outside of deep NL-only leagues.

The Atlanta Braves have sent outfielder Luke Williams to Triple-A. Williams cleared waivers and will begin his 2025 campaign with the Gwinnett Stripers. Last season, Williams appeared in 37 contests in Atlanta. During this stretch, Williams held a modest .196/.275/.261 slash line with three doubles and four RBI. He swiped three bags and held a 4:13 BB:K. However, across 55 contests at the Triple-A level, the 28-year-old performed quite well. He posted a solid .282/.344/.495 slash line with 19 doubles, nine home runs, and 18 stolen bases. This was a nice improvement compared to the .259/.353/.423 line he held at the Triple-A level during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers should expect the former third-round selection to operate as a depth outfielder in the Atlanta system in 2025.