

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz continued his power display during Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The young slugger belted his fifth home run of the spring during Wednesday's blowout loss. This spring, Cruz is hitting .292 with five dingers and eight RBI in 24 at-bats. The Pirates could have a breakout star on their hands if Cruz can stay healthy in 2024. This hot start to camp is certainly going to raise his status on draft boards.


San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar (leg) was forced to exit early during Wednesday's Cactus League matchup against the Oakland Athletics. The veteran slugger came up limping after rounding first base in the fourth inning. He was able to walk off the field under his own power. The expectation is that Profar will undergo further testing and an update will be given following the contest. The 31-year-old was 3-for-3 with a one home run and 4 RBI before exiting the game. The expectation is that Profar is going to be the Opening Day left fielder in San Diego.


New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (abdomen) is expected to return to the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's spring contest. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Judge is fine following an MRI from earlier in the week. Barring a setback, fantasy managers should expect Judge back in the lineup on Saturday. The superstar slugger has plenty of time to get fully healthy ahead of Opening Day.


Houston Astros starting pitcher J.P. France (shoulder) will take the mound for his spring debut on Saturday. Astros manager Joe Espada mentioned that France is expected to throw roughly 50 pitches during this outing. The right-hander is behind the rest of the starters but still has plenty of time to get ready in time for Opening Day. There's a decent chance that France begins the season in the rotation with Justin Verlander (shoulder) sidelined right now.


Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (shoulder) is close to progressing to facing hitters again. Astros manager Joe Espada recently said that Verlander is slated to throw another bullpen session on Thursday. The team will wait and see how Verlander feels after that before deciding on when he'll face hitters again. The 41-year-old will open the season on the injured list, but it doesn't sound like Verlander is going to miss an extended period of time.
