Los Angeles Angels skipper Ron Washington confirmed that right-hander Carlos Estevez is the team's closer to open the season. "Right now, we've got him as a closer," Washington said. "So we don't need to talk about that." The 31-year-old is coming off a season that saw him register a 3.90 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings. He was a first-time All-Star and saved a career-high 31 games in 35 tries. However, he was much better in the first half, posting a 1.80 ERA in 35 innings before having a 6.59 ERA in 27 1/3 innings in the second half. Estevez said that when he struggled, it was more mental than physical, so he's not too worried. However, if Estevez struggles like he did in the second half in 2023, Robert Stephenson could be an option to replace him in the team's closer role.

Los Angles Angels infielder Michael Stefanic (quadriceps) has resumed baseball activities at camp on Wednesday. Stefanic suffered a left-quadriceps strain in the team's Cactus League game last Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and was held out of workouts since then. The 28-year-old appears to be recovering now, though, and he should be able to return to spring training action before long. He also has plenty of time still to get ready for Opening Day at the end of March. Stefanic is versatile on defense but won't have an everyday role unless Luis Rengifo misses time due to injury in 2024. In only 50 games played the last two years with the Angels, Stefanic has hit .244/.331/.293 with no homers, six RBI and 10 runs scored in 140 plate appearances.

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder) is dealing with some right-shoulder soreness in camp but is playing catch on Wednesday. It's the reason why Stephenson hasn't appeared in a Cactus League game yet, although it's a good sign that he's playing catch in Wednesday, and he still has enough time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. Last year, Stephenson battled elbow soreness and opened the regular season up on the injured list. When healthy, he's expected to serve as the Angels' primary setup man for closer Carlos Estevez, which will give him plenty of fantasy appeal in holds leagues. The 31-year-old veteran, a former first-rounder, had a solid 3.10 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, one save and 77 K's in 52 1/3 relief innings in 2023 for the Pirates and Rays.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (shoulder) felt good after his bullpen session on Tuesday, but manager Joe Espada said that the future Hall of Famer is not ready to face hitters yet. However, Espada still isn't ruling Verlander out for Opening Day, but he acknowledged "obviously we're kind of running out of days here." The 41-year-old veteran had a setback with his shoulder this offseason and came to spring training behind the other pitchers. Given Verlander's age and recent injury history, it makes sense for the Astros to slow-play him and give him extra time before throwing him out there, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be in the team's Opening Day rotation. Verlander still has the potential to be useful in fantasy despite his age, but he's a big injury risk and is no longer a fantasy ace.

Seattle Mariners third baseman Luis Urias (shoulder) could need to open the 2024 regular season on the injured list due to right-shoulder inflammation. Urias has been throwing from around 70 feet at spring training, but it doesn't sound like he's close to making his Cactus League debut. On top of it, the 26-year-old infielder didn't play well in the Mexican winter league and showed up to camp in less-than-stellar shape. When healthy, the former top prospect of the San Diego Padres will likely be stuck in a platoon role at the hot corner in Seattle with Josh Rojas. Dylan Moore, Sam Haggerty, and Brian Anderson are also options for the Mariners at the position. Already only an option in AL-only fantasy leagues, Urias' stock is dropping even further due to his shoulder injury this spring.