Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said that right-hander Shane Baz (elbow) has completed his rehab. However, his issue is a lack of past workload, so he will be on a slow buildup coming out of spring training. The 24-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery almost 17 months ago and didn't pitch at all in 2023. In two big-league seasons prior to that, he only made nine starts covering 40 1/3 innings pitched, so he will surely be on a strict innings limit this season. Baz has a 4.02 ERA (4.30 FIP) and 1.12 WHIP with 12 walks and 48 strikeouts in his 40 1/3 major-league innings. Dating back to his time in the minors, Baz hasn't thrown more than 82 innings in any season, so fantasy managers need to temper their expectations in deeper leagues in 2024.

Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander is expecting left-hander Jeffrey Springs (elbow) to return around July or August this year, with right-hander Drew Rasmussen (elbow) returning sometime after that. Springs had Tommy John surgery in late April of last year, so when the 31-year-old does return, he'll most likely be on a strict innings limit to close out the season. He only made three starts in 2023 but was excellent, allowing only a run while striking out 24 in 16 innings. Rasmussen had an internal brace procedure on his elbow in July and probably won't pitch much in the second half in 2024 when he does return. The 28-year-old was solid with a 2.62 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings over eight starts last year before his injury, but fantasy managers are going to have to wait until 2025.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (knee) is expected to open the 2024 season on the injured list due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. Bard opened last year on the injured list and also ended the 2023 campaign on the injured list due to a right flexor strain. The 38-year-old veteran wasn't really going to be much of a fantasy option to begin with due to the fact that Justin Lawrence is the team's projected closer. In 50 appearances out of Colorado's bullpen last year, Bard had a 4.56 ERA (6.13 FIP) and 1.70 WHIP with one save, 49 walks and 47 strikeouts. He had 54 saves in 2021 and 2022 after returning from a case of the yips, but some of his anxiety issues returned last spring. Fantasy managers should stay away from Bard in all leagues.

Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand emerged as a power right-handed bat after making his major-league debut last year. Free-agent addition Jeimer Candelario, who is a switch-hitter, will also play a lot at first base in 2024, but MLB's Mark Sheldon is projecting Encarnacion-Strand to see the majority of the time at the cold corner. Jonathan India could be another option for some starts at first base as the Reds look to move him around the field. The 24-year-old Encarnacion-Strand finished last year with a .270/.328/.477 slash line, 13 home runs, 37 RBI and 29 runs scored in 63 games in his rookie season. He will split his time between first base and designated hitter and is one of the more intriguing young power bats in the game in an improved lineup while residing in a hitter-friendly ballpark.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-handers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly return from last season, while left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez has been added to their starting rotation via free agency. Brandon Pfaadt seemingly has a leg up on the No. 4 spot given the way he pitched in the postseason. The fifth spot will be hard-fought between mainly righty Ryne Nelson and lefty Tommy Henry. Nelson spent the majority of the season as a starter for Arizona in 2023 and had a 5.31 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 96 K's in 144 innings but was demoted to relief late in the year. Henry was a bit more effective with a 4.15 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 64 strikeouts in 89 innings but was left off the postseason roster. Nelson has more upside as more of a strikeout pitcher, but either player could be useful in NL-only leagues if they win a rotation spot.