Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm) has begun throwing off the mound. The 23-year-old was unable to participate during spring training due to a right forearm strain. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears he is taking steps forward in his recovery process. Last season, the former seventh overall pick made his big league debut. Lowder logged 30 2/3 innings in Cincinnati and held a 1.17 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He tallied 22 punchouts and posted a high 10.9 percent walk rate. Earlier in the season, the former Wake Forest product progressed quickly through the Cincinnati system. He spent most of his time at Double-A, where he posted a 4.32 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP across 77 1/3 innings. When healthy, he should contend for a return to the big leagues.

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O'Hearn is taking a seat on Monday as the team lines up against the Boston Red Sox and left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb. The 31-year-old went 6-for-14 over the team's opening series against the Toronto Blue Jays, but he'll ride the pine as they square off against their first lefty in 2025. Ryan Mountcastle will take over at first base and bat fourth, while Heston Kjerstad will bat fifth at DH. O'Hearn has historically been worse against lefties, though it's worth noting that he hit .262 against southpaws in 2024 (42 at-bats), nearly matching the .264 he batted against right-handers.

Chicago White Sox catching prospect Kyle Teel went 6-for-12 with a double and two home runs during his first three games of the Triple-A regular season. Teel tallied nine RBI and held a 2:2 BB:K. In the offseason, Teel was one of the top pieces sent to Chicago in exchange for left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet. Last season, Teel spent most of his time at the Double-A level before receiving a brief taste of Triple-A. In 84 games at Double-A, Teel posted a .298/.390/.462 slash line 20 doubles and 11 home runs with nine stolen bases. During his first 28 games at Triple-A, the former 14th overall pick posted a modest .255 AVG. However, it appears the young backstop has taken the next step. He is a name to closely monitor in two-catcher leagues as he could push for an early-season MLB debut.

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (foot) is back in the lineup on Monday, batting fourth in their series opener against the Colorado Rockies. The veteran backstop fouled a ball off his foot, forcing him early from Saturday's win over the Washington Nationals. He'd miss Sunday's game due to the contusion but is all set to go for the team's home opener on Monday. Realmuto is 1-for-9 to start the season, with a triple, two RBI, and a 4:0 K:BB ratio. Fantasy managers should exhibit no concerns about slotting him back into their lineups.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski tossed five shutout innings in his first start of the season at Triple-A on Sunday. Misiorowski tallied seven punchouts and allowed just one hit. He served up three free passes. This was a dominant outing for Misiorowski, who is considered one of the top right-handed pitching prospects in the sport. Last season, the Crowder College product spent most of his time with Double-A, where he posted a strong 3.50 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. Across 79 2/3 innings, he tallied 105 punchouts but struggled with his command as he allowed 50 walks. He then received a brief look at Triple-A, where he tossed 17 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.55 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. With Aaron Civale (hamstring) hitting the 15-day IL, the Brewers may turn to Misiorowski sooner than expected. He should be closely monitored in all 12-team formats.