Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher David Festa is expected to be promoted to the major leagues to start Friday's contest against the Detroit Tigers. Festa was expected to get the start that evening for Triple-A St. Paul, but is expected to return to the big leagues to fill the open spot in the rotation. Pablo Lopez (hamstring) was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain on Wednesday and will likely land on the 15-day IL, which would open a spot on the roster for Festa. As a result, this will push Chris Paddack's and Simeon Woods Richardson's starts back to Saturday and Sunday. Festa saw time in the majors last season and held a 4.90 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP across 64 1/3 innings of work. Through his first eight 1/3 innings of Triple-A ball this season, he has struck out eight batters and allowed five runs. He is worth adding in all 15+ team formats.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) dominated in Thursday's minor-league rehab outing as he struck out 13 batters across 5 1/3 innings of work. He allowed just three hits, two walks, and one earned run. This was Strider's third rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett. Given that he was able to reach 90 pitches suggests he should be ready to make his regular-season debut in the majors. In his first two outings, Strider struck out 14 batters and allowed one run across 8 1/3 innings of work. Strider has been sidelined since undergoing an internal-brace procedure last April. He was able to participate in spring training but was placed on the 15-day injured list to continue to slowly build up his workload. Fantasy managers should monitor Atlanta's projected starters, as he could make his season debut as early as next week.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (calf) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. Hays has been sidelined through the first two weeks of the regular season due to a low-grade calf strain. Fantasy managers should monitor his status with Louisville as he could be cleared for action as soon as next week. Hays inked a one-year, $5 million contract with the Reds earlier in the winter. He enjoyed a productive spring training, and several reports projected him to open the season as the team's leadoff hitter. Last summer, the 29-year-old logged 85 games split between the Orioles and the Phillies and held a cumulative .255/.303/.396 slash line with five round-trippers. When healthy, he is worth a look in five outfielder leagues, especially if he bats in the top half of the lineup.

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins and outfielder Sal Frelick are not in Thursday's lineup when they conclude a series against the Colorado Rockies. Fantasy managers should expect both Hoskins and Frelick to return to the lineup against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday evening. Hoskins has tallied just two hits over his previous four games and will cede first base duties to Jake Bauers, who will bat sixth. Frelick is riding a six-game hitting streak and has enjoyed a very productive start to the campaign. With Frelick sitting out, Jackson Chourio will shift to right field, opening up left field for Christian Yelich. The Brewers are a great lineup to target in DFS competitions this afternoon as they will face Colorado right-handed pitcher Ryan Feltner.

Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (hip) is not in Thursday's starting lineup due to a hip injury. Tovar has been dealing with this injury for some time and will get the day off. He will look to return to action on Friday evening against the San Diego Padres. Instead, Kyle Farmer will get the nod at shortstop and bat in the three-hole. Through the first 11 games of the season, Tovar has held a .277/.306/.404 slash line with four doubles and two stolen bases. He has scored four runs and added four RBI. He enjoyed a breakout campaign last summer as he launched 26 long balls, swiped six bags, and held a .269/.295/.469 slash line. When healthy, Tovar should continue to see everyday opportunities in the Colorado starting nine. Farmer is worth a look as a value play in DFS facing right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester.