As expected, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) is starting at shortstop and is batting in his customary No. 2 spot for the team's home opener at Dodger Stadium against the Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal. Betts didn't play in the season-opening two-game series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, Japan, due to a pretty serious illness that caused him to lose almost 20 pounds. The 32-year-old former MVP was able to return to the team's exhibition game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, though, going 0-for-3. Betts should be locked into fantasy lineups in season-long leagues despite the fact that he's facing the reigning American League Cy Young winner, but those playing DFS will probably want to avoid Betts as he tries to regain his strength following a multi-week illness. Betts has never faced Skubal in his career.

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales (ankle) went 1-for-3 with his first home run of the season, a run scored, two RBI and two strikeouts in the team's 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Opening Day on Thursday, but he was also removed early due to recurrent left-ankle discomfort. Gonzales went deep for a two-run homer in the sixth inning and hobbled around the bases before being pulled. The 25-year-old will be examined by the team's medical staff before the Bucs provide an update on his status. Consider him day-to-day for now, but we'd be surprised if he's back in the starting lineup on Friday in Miami. Veteran Adam Frazier took over for Gonzales at the keystone on Thursday and walked in his only plate appearance. If Gonzales is forced to miss extended time with his ankle injury, Frazier would likely take over as the regular at second base in Pittsburgh.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore was fantastic on the mound during Thursday's season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. Gore recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts over six shutout innings in a no-decision. Gore only allowed one hit during his time on the mound as he looked nearly flawless out there. Sadly for Gore, the Nats bullpen was unable to hold the lead for him. Despite that, Gore puts his name in the history books with his franchise-record 13 punchouts. The 26-year-old will certainly be a popular waiver wire pickup after that performance. He'll look to keep it going next week against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was recently named the primary closer heading into the regular season, according to manager Alex Cora. Well, there's still 161 more chances for Chapman to get a save, but he didn't get that chance on Thursday. Instead, Chapman was called upon to face left-handed slugger Corey Seager in the eighth inning. It's worth noting that the game was tied when Chapman came in which could be part of the reason why they decided to use him in that spot. Afterwards, Wilyer Abreu smacked a three-run home run and right-hander Justin Slaten was called upon to close out the game. Chapman will certainly get his save chances, but this isn't quite a full-time closer role like the organization claimed it was a few days ago. Fantasy managers who have Chapman rostered should keep him as he'll likely still get a majority of the save opportunities.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Justin Slaten was called upon to hold a three-run lead during Thursday's season opener against the Texas Rangers. This is an interesting development after the organization recently said Aroldis Chapman would be the primary closer. Instead, Chapman was called upon to the face left-handed batter Corey Seager to start the eighth inning. It's worth noting that the game was tied until Wilyer Abreu blasted a three-run home run in the ninth inning. That being said, Slaten did get the save opportunity, but it wasn't like the team was planning to give him the ball in the ninth from the beginning of the contest. However, the Red Sox have made it known that they will play matchups and use Chapman earlier in the game if needed. That being said, Slaten is someone worth keeping an eye on right now.