Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) won't be ready in time for Opening Day. The expectation was that Lowe would miss some time after suffering an oblique strain earlier in the month. Now, the Rangers are expecting Lowe to be sidelined until at least mid-April. The organization should give a better timetable later, but for now, fantasy managers should expect to be without Lowe for a few weeks. It's unclear how the Rangers plan to fill the void at first base. There's a good chance that Wyatt Langford makes the roster, while Justin Foscue could see some action at first base.

Kansas City Royals infielder Michael Massey (back) has been sidelined since being scratched from the lineup ahead of Tuesday's game. The 25-year-old is reportedly dealing with lower-back tightness but is considered day-to-day. It sounds like Massey will continue to undergo treatment and will hopefully be ready to play in a few days. This spring, Massey is hitting .233/.233/.766 with two home runs and five RBI in 30 at-bats. It's tough to imagine Massey having much fantasy value heading into the season.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Louie Varland struggled to find much success during Wednesday's outing against the Detroit Tigers. The right-hander allowed eight hits and nine earned runs through four innings of work. Varland came into this game with a 11/1 K/BB ratio, but walked three during this outing. Despite this bad outing, Varland should still be the favorite for the fifth spot in the rotation. He'll likely win the spot by default with Anthony DeSclafani (elbow) heading to the injured list.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon (back) threw a 10-pitch, touch-and-feel bullpen session in camp on Wednesday. Taillon is finally starting to work his way back after being shut down with a lower-back injury almost two weeks ago. As a result, the 32-year-old veteran will start the 2024 regular season on the injured list for the Cubbies, and he's unlikely to pitch in a Cactus League game before next week. Barring another setback with his back, though, it seems reasonable that Taillon can make his season debut in late April. The former second overall pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010 has proven to be a league-average pitcher. He isn't dominant by any means but rarely walks batters. Taillon is off the fantasy radar in mixed leagues after posting a career-worst 4.84 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 41 walks and 140 K's in 154 1/3 frames in 2023 in his first year in Chicago.

Despite not having a good spring, outfielder Johan Rojas remains the favorite to open the year as the Philadelphia Phillies' starting center fielder, according to team sources. There could be an official verdict later this week, according to manager Rob Thomson. The Phillies will continue to monitor Rojas' Grapefruit League at-bats as he continues to make mechanical changes to his swing. He chased some pitches in four hitless at-bats on Tuesday and is hitting .156/.174/.267 this spring. The Phillies know that Rojas will bat ninth and play an elite defense in center field if he's on the big-league roster, but they want him to chase less and refine his swing. If Rojas isn't the everyday center fielder, the Phillies would be committing to regular playing time for Whit Merrifield as their left fielder, with Brandon Marsh in center. Ideally, the Phils want Merrifield to play two or three times a week.