St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (rib) took soft-toss swings on Sunday and Monday in camp without ill effects from the rib fractures on his left side. Nootbaar is slated to be the team's regular in left field in 2024, but he is going to open the 2024 regular season on the 10-day injured list due to his injury. "Nootbaar swung [Sunday] and [Monday], and I was able to see video of his swings today and it looked really good. His body is responding well," manager Oliver Marmol said. The 26-year-old outfielder's health is of even more importance now that Dylan Carlson (shoulder) got hurt on Monday. Tommy Edman (wrist) is also opening the season on the IL. If Nootbaar can ever avoid injuries once and for all in 2024, he could be a breakout candidate because of his power/speed profile.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt was impressive during his outing against the New York Mets on Monday. Coming into camp there were some concerns if Schmidt would be able to keep up the high level of pitching that he showed last season. The right-hander has proven himself in camp and earned himself the fourth spot in the rotation. On Monday, Schmidt allowed one hit with six strikeouts over six innings of work. He'll be worth a look as a streaming option in mixed leagues.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson (shoulder) is dealing with a "left-shoulder injury" after colliding with teammate Jordan Walker in Monday's exhibition contest against the Chicago Cubs, according to the team. The severity of Carlson's injury has not been determined yet, so fantasy managers will want to check back for more information either later tonight or Tuesday morning. Outfielders Tommy Edman (wrist) and Lars Nootbaar (ribs) will start the year on the injured list, so the Cardinals can ill-afford to lose another outfielder to open the season. The 25-year-old Carlson is expected to be the regular center fielder in St. Louis, at least until Edman is able to return. If Carlson joins Edman and Nootbaar on the IL, Michael Siano could open the year with regular playing time, and prospect Victor Scott II would likely join the big-league roster.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (shoulder) will throw a two-inning live batting practice session on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park in Houston. If that session goes well, Verlander could start a rehab assignment after that, according to manager Joe Espada. The 41-year-old three-time Cy Young winner wasn't able to pitch at all in spring training due to shoulder issues that lingered this offseason. Verlander is going to begin the regular season on the injured list, and the Astros aren't going to rush the future Hall of Famer back, so we should expect him to make at least several rehab starts in the minor leagues. There's a good chance that Verlander won't make his 2024 debut until May. Verlander can still be effective when healthy, but he's no longer a fantasy ace.

Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Bryan Hudson was told that he's made the team's Opening Day roster out of spring training. Hudson was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in January and will now open the 2024 season pitching out of Milwaukee's bullpen. The 26-year-old southpaw made his MLB debut last year with the Dodgers and allowed seven earned runs on 12 hits (one homer) while walking four and striking out seven in 8 2/3 innings of relief. He was dominant in the Cactus League this spring, fanning 19 and walking just five in 12 2/3 frames to earn himself a roster spot to begin the year. Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill could all be in the mix for saves with Devin Williams (back) unavailable for a while, but Hudson could see high-leverage situations as a late-inning setup man.