The Atlanta Braves have optioned right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett. In a corresponding move, the Braves promoted right-handed pitcher Michael Petersen. Smith-Shawver was able to win a spot in the starting rotation during camp, but will head back to Triple-A to continue his development. Through his first three starts of the campaign, Smith-Shawver has logged 13 2/3 innings and posted a 4.61 ERA with a 1.98 WHIP. He has held an 8:17 BB:K with two home runs allowed. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Bryce Elder to remain in the rotation as the No. 5 option. This transaction also opens a spot for Spencer Strider (elbow), who is set to make his season debut next week. Smith-Shawver is only worth stashing in deeper NL-only formats, as he could be in the mix to return to the big leagues if Elder were to struggle.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice is remaining in the leadoff spot on Sunday afternoon when the Yankees conclude their series against the San Francisco Giants. Rice has typically been deployed as the leadoff hitter facing right-handed pitching over the past week and will remain in that position on Sunday afternoon, facing San Francisco right-hander Logan Webb. Even when facing southpaws, Rice has typically been deployed in the two-hole. This afternoon. Rice will serve as the designated hitter. With Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) on the injured list, Rice has seen a significant role in the Yankee offense early in the season. Over his past 11 games, Rice has been swinging a hot bat, holding a stellar .300/.417/.700 slash line with two doubles and four long balls. Even in a tough matchup against Webb, Rice remains a top play in DFS and a must-start option in all standard formats.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Joe Boyle will get the spot start on Sunday afternoon when they conclude a series against the Atlanta Braves. Shane Baz was initially expected to get the nod in this matchup, but Boyle will get the start instead. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times noted that this lineup change is not injury-related. Fantasy managers should expect Baz to get the nod on Monday when the Rays face the Boston Red Sox. Boyle has spent the early part of the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Durham. Across eight innings with Durham, Boyle has posted a 2.25 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. He has struck out 10 batters and served up six free passes. Last season in Oakland, Boyle held a high 6.42 ERA with a 1.72 WHIP across 47 2/3 innings of work. He should be viewed as a high-risk play in DFS this afternoon, facing the Atlanta Braves.

Kansas City Royals infielder Jonathan India (quadriceps) is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. India was pulled in the sixth inning of the team's loss to Cleveland with right-quad tightness, so it's not a huge surprise that he's not in there. Fantasy managers will want to check back to see if India is back in the lineup for Monday's series opener in the Bronx against the New York Yankees. The 28-year-old isn't too concerned about the injury and is hoping to be available off the bench on Sunday, so it sounds like something that shouldn't land him on the injured list. With India out on Sunday, Maikel Garcia is starting at third base and is batting leadoff against Guardians right-hander Ben Lively. Garcia is worth a look as a DFS sleeper in the leadoff spot. He has two hits and an RBI in four career at-bats against Lively.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Alexis Diaz (hamstring) has reported to the Reds clubhouse and is nearing a return. According to Charles Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Magazine, Diaz does not know when he will be activated off the 15-day injured list, but the reliever "feels ready to go." Diaz has made five rehab appearances with Triple-A Louisville. He has appeared in each of the past two games. Over his last two outings, Diaz has given up three hits and two runs and struck out four batters. Across the five total rehab innings, he has posted a modest 5.40 ERA with a 2.00 WHIP. Last season, Diaz struggled at times and finished the campaign with a 3.99 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. When Diaz returns, fantasy managers should expect him to see most of the save opportunities, but may not be given a long leash, if these struggles arise again.