San Diego Padres catcher Martin Maldonado has been told he will make the team's Opening Day roster after signing with the team on a minor-league deal before spring training. The veteran catcher makes his contributions on defense and by working with the pitching staff, but he doesn't bring much offense at all. He earned the respect of the staff and coaches for his work early in spring training, but he went just 2-for-22 with four walks at the plate. Last season, the 38-year-old hit only .119 in 48 games for the White Sox after hitting .191 in 116 games for the Astros in 2023. The Padres are ready to start the year with him as the primary backup for Elias Diaz, but he's far from being fantasy-relevant since he brings so little potential offense.

The Miami Marlins promoted third base prospect Graham Pauley from Triple-A and gave him the starting nod at the hot corner. He will bat eighth and face the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes. Pauley was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move, placing infielder Connor Norby (oblique) on the injured list. During spring training, Pauley posted a .286/.355/.429 slash line across 11 contests. During this stretch, he went deep once and held a 2:8 BB:K. The Duke product made his MLB debut last season with the San Diego Padres and tallied four hits across 13 contests. Fantasy managers in deeper NL-only formats should monitor his performance as he could see consistent time in the lineup with Norby sidelined. However, he should not be started in any format this afternoon facing Skenes, who posted a 1.93 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP as a rookie.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice will serve as the designated hitter on Opening Day against the Milwaukee Brewers. Rice will bat in the eight-hole and face Milwaukee ace Freddy Peralta. Rice was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster and earned the job given his impressive performance. In the Grapefruit League, Rice launched five home runs across 20 contests with a .242/.319/.516 slash line. He tallied two doubles and held a 7:17 BB:K. The 26-year-old made his MLB debut last season but struggled to find consistency as he posted a modest .171/.246/.349 slash line with seven long balls. However, he generated a strong .340 xwOBA with an elite 15.6 percent barrel rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his production early in the season as he could become the primary DH against right-handed pitching with Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) on the injured list. Rice is worth a look as a high-upside play at a cheaper salary in DFS.

Toronto Blue Jays outfield prospect Alan Roden will get the starting nod in right field and bat in the nine-hole against Zach Eflin and the Baltimore Orioles. Roden was one of the most impressive hitters during spring training. Across 20 contests, the 25-year-old posted an impressive .407/.541/.704 slash line with two doubles and two long balls. He held a 6:4 BB:K. Last summer, the Creighton product spent the campaign split between Double-A and Triple-A. Across 54 games at Double-A, Roden posted a .267/.373/.432 slash line with 11 doubles and seven round-trippers. He then hit for an impressive .314/.406/.510 slash line across his first 71 games at Triple-A. Fantasy managers should expect Toronto to give Roden opportunities early in the campaign while Daulton Varsho (shoulder) is sidelined. He carries low value in DFS formats this afternoon, but is worth taking a flier on in deeper AL-only formats.

Houston Astros third baseman/outfield prospect Cam Smith is in the Opening Day lineup. Smith will cover right field and bat seventh. Smith was one of the top performers in spring training and was able to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. In camp, Smith posted an elite .342/.419/.711 slash line with a triple and four long balls. He held a 5:11 BB:K. Smith was drafted by the Chicago Cubs with the 14th pick in last year's draft out of Florida State. Smith received a brief look in the minors last season. He posted an impressive .313/.396/.609 slash line with five doubles, four triples, and seven long balls across 32 contests split between Low-A, High-A, and Double-A. In the offseason, the Astros acquired him in a package that sent Kyle Tucker to Chicago. Fantasy managers should view Smith as a solid play in DFS given his strong spring facing converted Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes.