Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers is enjoying a nice spring so far, something that continued in Friday's Cactus League game against the Los Angeles Angels. The former top prospect went 1-for-3 with a run scored on Friday, raising his spring average to .350 (7-for-20) in the process. He has one double and a stolen base in that time, posting an .809 OPS through his first 22 trips to the plate this spring. It's a solid start for the 27-year-old who struggled at the plate in the 2023 season, hitting .258 with four home runs across 46 games, missing significant time due to a shoulder injury. Despite playing his home games at Coors Field, Rodgers has disappointed to a .265 average with 32 home runs and zero stolen bases across 317 career games in parts of five seasons, dealing with a wealth of injuries in that time.

Texas Rangers reliever Jose Leclerc tossed his second straight solid outing Friday versus the Kansas City Royals. The right-hander tossed a scoreless, hitless inning with two strikeouts, tossing his second straight scoreless frame in the process. Leclerc allowed two earned runs on three hits, including a homer, in just 1/3 of an inning in his spring debut on Feb. 29 but has bounced back nicely since. The 30-year-old was excellent for the second straight season in 2023, tossing a 2.68 ERA in 57 outings but he also walked 12% of the hitters he faced. He is the projected Rangers closer to open the season following the offseason departure of Will Smith. However, he won't have a long leash as the club added David Robertson this offseason while Josh Sborz and Kirby Yates could also be in the mix if Leclerc struggles out of the gate. He is a worthwhile investment with a 195.3 ADP but he is far from a sure thing.

St. Louis Cardinals utility player Tommy Edman (wrist) is doubtful for Opening Day, according to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. Mozeliak said Edman's recovery is not "tracking" on that timetable while it's unclear how much additional time he will need. The 28-year-old was shut down this spring due to pain in his surgically repaired right wrist but recently resumed baseball activities. Edman hit .248 with 13 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and a .706 OPS across 137 games last season, his fifth in the big leagues. He was expected to open the season as the Cardinals' primary center fielder but now it appears that job would likely belong to Dylan Carlson. Edman is eligible at second base, shortstop, and the outfield, giving his power/speed combination additional value, especially at the keystone.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has been hit with an 80-game suspension for a performance-enhancing drug violation. The club's No. 1 prospect was projected to be the primary third baseman in the 2024 season but he will have to wait until mid-season to assume that role. Marte appeared in 35 games for the Reds in the 2023 season, impressing with a .316 average alongside three home runs, six stolen bases, and an .822 OPS across 123 trips to the plate. The 22-year-old also hit .279 with 11 home runs, 18 steals, and an .812 OPS across 92 games between the Double-A and Triple-A levels a season ago. Offseason signee Jeimer Candelario is likely to handle the bulk of reps at the hot corner for the Reds in the season's first half, boosting his fantasy stock in the process.

The Miami Marlins and free-agent designated hitter J.D. Martinez are in discussions as the slugger lingers on the open market. The Marlins lost their primary designated hitter from last season Jorge Soler to the San Francisco Giants in free agency, so a fit with Martinez makes sense. However, the club could also go with a rotating DH combo of Josh Bell and Jake Burger as Martinez is reportedly seeking a two-year deal. The veteran is coming off of a massive season with the Dodgers in which he hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBI despite appearing in just 113 games a season ago. Despite his utility-only eligibility and his unsure landing spot in free agency, Martinez still makes sense for fantasy managers around his 235.2 ADP.