Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that right-hander Justin Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session in Houston on Thursday and will then pitch in a minor-league rehab game a few days after that. Verlander threw a three-inning, 52-pitch simulated game on Monday and came away without any setbacks to his right shoulder. The 41-year-old three-time Cy Young winner didn't pitch at all in spring training and will now build up his arm in minor-league games before potentially making his 2024 debut for the Astros before the end of April. But because he didn't pitch in any Grapefruit League games this spring, don't be surprised if Verlander needs two or three rehab games before being activated from the injured list.

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (wrist) had surgery on his broken right wrist on Tuesday in Phoenix, and general manager Chris Young said Jung is expected to be out for six weeks. The surgery was performed by the same surgeon who did Jung's thumb surgery last August. The Rangers called up infield prospect Justin Foscue from Triple-A on Monday, but Josh Smith is getting the first start at the hot corner for the Rangers on Tuesday against Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Zach Eflin. Foscue was the 14th overall pick in 2020 out of Mississippi State and has the ability to play third, first and second base, but he could operate as a utility man on the infield for the Rangers until Jung is able to return. Jung needs to be stashed in an injured list spot in all fantasy leagues.

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is getting the day off on Tuesday as the team takes on the visiting Cincinnati Reds. With Realmuto starting on the bench, Garrett Stubbs will do the catching and hit ninth against Reds right-hander Graham Ashcraft. There is a high probability of rain in the forecast on the East Coast, so using anyone from these two teams in DFS could be a crapshoot on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Realmuto is off to a 4-for-14 start in the first four games of the year with a home run, run scored and two walks. Stubbs only has two career at-bats against Ashcraft and hasn't recorded a hit. At the bottom of Philly's lineup, Stubbs isn't very attractive for DFS gamers.

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Heston Kjerstad has been off to a nice start for Triple-A Norfolk with six hits over his first 12 at-bats. He has also scored four runs and drove in four. The 25-year-old was drafted second overall in 2020 and has become of the top outfield prospects in the game. This past season between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, Kerstad hit a healthy .303 with 29 doubles, 21 homers and 55 RBI. Although he is older than most top prospects, the power hitter would likely have a better chance at the big leagues as a member of another franchise, but he could still get a shot with the Orioles if an injury or two opens things up. For now, Kerstad should be rostered in most dynasty leagues, with minimal value in redraft leagues, due to limited opportunity.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera's appeal has been settled on a two-game suspension, according to the team. He will begin serving his two-game suspension on Tuesday when the team takes on the Houston Astros. The league initially suspended the 27-year-old for three games for pushing Tampa Bay Rays infielder Jose Caballero during a benches-clearing incident last Saturday. Cabrera will be away from the team for a few days before rejoining them for their weekend series against the New York Yankees. The Dominican left-hander has had a rough start to the 2024 season, allowing four earned runs on four hits (two home runs) while walking one and striking out one in his two innings of work out of the bullpen.