Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (oblique) is going to open the regular season on the injured list, according to manager Torey Lovullo. This is a tough break for the D-Backs as Sewald has reportedly suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain. The organization has not given a timetable for Sewald's return, but he'll likely miss at least most of April. The expectation is that Kevin Ginkel will operate as the closer until Sewald returns. Possibly, Miguel Castro and Joe Mantiply will be in the mix as well. For now, Ginkel looks like the pitcher worth rostering in fantasy formats while Sewald recovers.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale finished out his spring on a high note during Monday's game against the Minnesota Twins. The left-hander struggled during his last two outings but bounced back nicely here. Sale struck out six batters over three innings of work during the shutout victory. He'll end the spring with a 3.07 ERA and a 23/5 K/BB in 14 2/3 innings. Sale is set to make his Braves debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. That isn't an ideal opponent for Sale but he has done enough for fantasy managers to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Joey Votto (ankle) is feeling better but has still yet to resume full baseball activities in camp. He will likely stay in extended spring training when the Blue Jays open the 2024 season later this week against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 40-year-old rolled his right ankle recently in a Grapefruit League game and will not be ready for the start of the regular season, although the injury isn't considered serious. It gives Votto a chance to stay in spring training to work on his swing after signing with the club late in spring training. Once he's healthy, he'll most likely head to Triple-A Buffalo while hoping to eventually join the Blue Jays in the big leagues as a veteran bat off the bench at both first base and designated hitter.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Eric Lauer made his spring debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The veteran southpaw looked strong as he struck out three batters over two scoreless innings. The 28-year-old has been a reliable option throughout most of his career. However, Lauer struggled heavily during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers last season. Lauer recently joined the Pirates roster, so he won't be ready for Opening Day. He'll likely head to Triple-A to get stretched out a bit before being a possible option in a few weeks. Fantasy managers can use a wait-and-see approach here.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho was scratched from Monday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates to allow him to attend to a personal matter. Varsho wasn't around to close out the spring schedule, but he's expected to be back in the lineup for Opening Day on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 27-year-old disappointed in his first year in Toronto in 2023, slashing .220/.285/.389 with 20 home runs, 61 RBI, 16 stolen bases and 65 runs scored in 581 plate appearances over 158 games played. He will at least be a regular in left field for the Jays in 2024 against right-handed pitching, which gives him depth value in mixed fantasy leagues in a strong lineup and hitter-friendly home park. The biggest negative for Varsho this year is that he'll no longer have catcher eligibility.