Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech looked nearly unhittable during Friday's game versus the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander struck out five batters over two hitless innings during Friday's loss. This is extremely encouraging for Kopech who seemed destined to end up in the bullpen. Possibly, Kopech can make a resurgence as a starting pitcher in 2024. It's still early in spring training, but his stuff looks better than ever before. Fantasy managers should start putting Kopech's name in the sleeper conversation during drafts.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Luis Matos continued his red-hot stretch at the plate on Friday. The 22-year-old blasted two solo home runs during the 11-5 victory over the Texas Rangers. Now, Matos has three dingers over his last 11 at-bats. He is showing that he's ready for the big league level. Sadly, Matos doesn't have a good shot at earning a starting outfield spot to begin the season. The Giants are expected to start Jung Hoo Lee, Mike Yastrzemski, and Michael Conforto across their outfield to begin the 2024 season. Possibly, Matos grabs a bench spot, but a young player like Matos deserves everyday playing time. For now, the best move might be for him to stick in Triple-A until an everyday spot opens up in San Francisco.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Ian Gibaut (forearm) appears to be in danger of missing Opening Day. Reds' manager David Bell recently mentioned that Gibaut has yet to resume throwing after being shut down last week. The 30-year-old is still recovering from a forearm issue and is considered "close" for Opening Day. The right-hander was a viable option out of the bullpen for the Reds last season. He could see a few save chances, but Alexis Diaz is the primary closer in Cincinnati.

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy (hand) is taking batting practice in camp on Friday, and manager Dave Roberts said the plan is to get Muncy back in the Cactus League lineup on Saturday. Muncy was hit by a pitch in his left hand in a spring training game on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers, but X-rays came back negative and he's considered day-to-day with a hand contusion. The 33-year-old left-handed slugger dodged a bullet and will be ready for the two-game series in Korea on March 20-21 against the San Diego Padres. Muncy has dealt with some nagging injuries in recent seasons and isn't going to help your fantasy team's batting average, but he should continue to supply plenty of power and RBI in one of the best lineups in baseball. In his six at-bats in Cactus League action, Muncy has three hits, including a homer.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that left-hander Nick Lodolo's (leg) recovery after throwing in camp on Thursday was "not perfect" and that he "still feels it." Lodolo is to be re-evaluated and have his leg "re-scanned," but Bell doesn't consider it a "major concern." If everything comes back OK, Lodolo could still start the 2024 regular season on time, but he would need to get into a Cactus League game by the end of next week. The 26-year-old southpaw missed most of last year due to a stress reaction in his left tibia and still isn't quite over the hump this spring. It's not what fantasy managers that were considering taking him late in drafts for rotation depth wanted to hear, but it doesn't take away from the fact that Lodolo is still a high-upside arm due to his swing-and-miss stuff when he's healthy.