Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (back, core) said he has battled through lower-back and core issues the last two years. However, with a new training routine, he said he feels strong and more like himself heading into the 2024 season. Baez didn't have any offseason surgery but just focused on strengthening those areas. It would help explain why the 31-year-old has tailed off as a hitter in his first two years in Detroit. He has slashed a pathetic .230/.273/.361 with 26 home runs, 126 RBI, 21 stolen bases and 272 strikeouts in 1,065 at-bats in his time with the Tigers and is currently outside RotoBaller's top-30 shortstop rankings. He's been a disaster since signing a six-year, $140 million, and time will only tell if better health will lead to better results.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (elbow) said he expects to play in Grapefruit League games once the spring schedule begins. He also said the Tigers are planning a blend of designated hitter and outfield days for Greene. The 23-year-old credited his offseason rehab work with trainer Ben Delacruz for his improved flexibility and running form. He's five months removed from having Tommy John surgery, but it was on his right (non-throwing) elbow, which should allow him to be ready to roll on Opening Day for the Tigers. It remains to be seen how the injury will affect Greene as a hitter early on in 2024, though. The former first-rounder strikes out frequently, but he still managed to hit .288 (109-for-378) with 11 homers, 37 RBI and seven steals in 99 games last year before his injury. Greene would be a great fit for fantasy managers as a No. 4 outfielder with upside.

Miami Marlins right-hander Huascar Brazoban has not yet reported to camp due to visa issues. Elvis Alvarado and Johnny Pereda are also in the same situation. The 34-year-old Brazoban should be able to earn a roster spot in Miami's bullpen to begin the 2024 regular season as long as he's healthy after he went 5-2 with a 4.14 ERA (3.94 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 31 walks and a career-high 65 strikeouts in 58 2/3 relief innings in his second big-league season with the Marlins in 2023. However, Brazoban won't be worth looking at in fantasy leagues for the time being.

Miami Marlins left-hander Braxton Garrett (shoulder) has general soreness in his left shoulder at camp, according to manager Skip Schumaker. Garrett still threw on the side the last two days at spring training and isn't completely shut down, but the Marlins are taking it easy with him to start camp. The 26-year-old could still be ready for Opening Day as long as his shoulder doesn't get worse, and we'll keep a close eye on his progress as camp goes along. He made a career-high 30 starts (31 outings) and was solid for the Fish last year with a 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 29 walks and a career-high 156 strikeouts in 159 2/3 innings pitched. Garrett relies on ground balls and isn't overly dominant, but he has the skills and resides in a great pitcher's park to be worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues to round out your rotation.

The Miami Marlins recently made an offer to free-agent shortstop Tim Anderson as they continue their search for an everyday shortstop, according to sources briefed on the discussions. The 30-year-old Anderson declined markedly in 2023. In his eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox, he was a former batting champion and two-time All-Star. The Marlins could give him a chance to restore his value. They currently have 34-year-old utility man Jon Berti as their leading option at the 6 in 2024. Miami has also been in discussions with free agent Gio Urshela about a utility role. Anderson was never the same last year after suffering a sprained left knee that landed him on the injured list from April 11 to May 2, and he finished with a .245 average, one home run and a .582 OPS, all career-lows.