The Chicago Cubs are re-signing infielder Nicky Lopez to an undisclosed contract on Wednesday, according to ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers. Lopez was with the Cubs in spring training before eventually joining the Los Angeles Angels. The 30-year-old veteran infielder was designated for assignment by the Angels last Friday and elected free agency after clearing waivers. He will now return to Chicago to give them an extra glove as infield depth. The former fifth-round selection by the Kansas City Royals in 2016 out of Creighton University only had six at-bats with the Halos before being cut and went hitless with one strikeout. Since debuting with the Royals in 2019, Lopez has mostly been a defensive asset, as he has a career .247/.311/.313 slash line with only seven home runs, 152 RBI and 47 stolen bases in 672 games played.

Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (hamstring) is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment later this week, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale. It's the next step in his progression from a left-hamstring strain that he suffered in spring training in March after he ran some sprints on Monday and ran the bases on Tuesday of this week. In addition to running, the 25-year-old power threat has been taking on-field batting practice and doing fielding work on the infield. If Lewis can avoid any setbacks with his hamstring this weekend in minor-league action, he could be activated from the injured list to make his 2025 big-league debut at some point next week. The former first overall pick in 2017 has high-upside power when he's healthy, making him stash-worthy in all fantasy formats until he returns.

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow, lat) has been diagnosed with a mild lat strain, according to manager Brandon Hyde. Rodriguez is already feeling better and will start throwing again in a couple of weeks. "I'm trying to stay optimistic about it," Rodriguez said. It's good news for a pitcher that had already been rehabbing right-elbow inflammation that landed him on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2025 season. Still, the 25-year-old's lat injury will push back is overall timetable to make his season debut. In a best-case scenario, we're now looking at Rodriguez potentially not make his season debut until some point in June. It's a disappointing turn of events for a pitcher that had made encouraging strides last year before having his season cut short in August due to a lat injury. Fantasy managers must remain patient and keep him stashed in an IL spot.

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz (hip) left his appearance early during Wednesday's extra-inning win against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies due to left-hip cramping, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Diaz disengaged with the rubber for the third time and was charged with a balk in the top of the 10th inning to call out the training staff before he was eventually pulled. The 31-year-old right-hander retired the side in the top of the ninth inning in a 2-2 tie before going out for a second inning, which was the first time this year he has done that. Diaz recorded a strikeout but then gave up an RBI single before injuring his hip. Although the hard-throwing relieved didn't seem too concerned with the injury after the game, fantasy managers will want to check back on his status before Friday's series opener with the Nationals. If he ends up missing time, Ryne Stanek and A.J. Minter could share closing duties.

Houston Astros rookie outfielder Cam Smith will retreat to the bench for Wednesday's contest against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays at Daikin Park. With Smith getting a breather, Zach Dezenzo will start in right field and bat seventh against Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis. Smith will get a day of rest after starting each of the team's last 13 games. During that span, the 22-year-old prospect went 12-for-44 (.273) at the plate with three home runs, a triple, 10 RBI, a steal, seven runs scored, three walks and 11 strikeouts to rebound after a slow start to his first MLB season. The former 14th overall pick last year by the Chicago Cubs out of Florida State tore it up in spring training but looked overmatched early on during the regular season. He's now hitting .226/.304/.403 and should continue to play regularly in right field for Houston. Dezenzo has never faced Francis in his career.