New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) was officially placed on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday. This was expected, as Schmidt has been dealing with shoulder soreness for the past week of spring training. The injury isn't expected to be serious, and he has recently been throwing live batting practice. Expect it to be a short stay on the injured list until he is fully built up and ready to join the rotation. He posted an excellent 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 93 strikeouts in 85 innings in 2024. His 26.3% strikeout rate and 5.9% barrel rate were both well above-average marks, giving him some sleeper appeal for 2025. He is a solid IL stash for fantasy managers, and he can provide rotation depth down the line.

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (elbow) has been placed on the 15-day IL as a result of elbow discomfort he began experiencing earlier this spring. The former seventh-overall draft pick has already begun a throwing program so it doesn't appear to be a long-term issue, but with minor league options left, the righty will likely head to Triple-A to start the season. At some point later in the year, the 23-year-old will probably be back with the big league club after performing admirably in six starts in 2024, posting a 1.17 ERA (4.73 xFIP), 1.27 WHIP, and didn't allow a single home run in 30 2/3 innings pitched. However, he registered a 6.3 percent K-BB%, much lower than the 19.9 percent K-BB% he recorded in the minors. Once he returns to the majors, the Wake Forest product would make a solid waiver add in deep leagues with the potential to be a rotation piece in most other mixed leagues if he performs to his talent level.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (elbow) played light catch on Wednesday, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. Darvish has been dealing with inflammation in his throwing elbow and is expected to be placed on the injured list to begin the season. In 2024, he posted a 3.31 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts in 81 innings. He is still a productive pitcher when he is on the field, but staying healthy has become a problem for the 38-year-old over the past couple of years. He is a solid IL stash for fantasy purposes if you have the space for him.

Washington Nationals third baseman Jose Tena has won a bench job on the Opening Day roster, reports Andrew Golden. He didn't have an exceptional spring, batting just .156 with a 28.0% strikeout rate in 50 plate appearances. In 2024, he slashed .267/.298/.354 with three home runs in 44 major league games. He isn't likely to see consistent playing time and hasn't shown any potential in terms of fantasy, so he's safe to keep off of your radar.

Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof (hand) and relief pitcher Michel Otanez (shoulder) were both officially placed on the injured list. Neither of these come as a surprise, with Gelof undergoing surgery to repair a broken hamate bone earlier this week. He's likely to be held out for six to eight weeks and will be a risky stash for fantasy purposes. Returning from a fractured hamate bone has been tricky for hitters looking to regain their power in the past. Otanez is dealing with a right shoulder impingement, and there is no current timetable for his return. When healthy, he will be a high-leverage option out of the bullpen to bridge the gap to Mason Miller in the ninth.