Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe's (oblique) MRI exam showed no structural issues after he was forced to leave Wednesday's game early against the Texas Rangers with left-oblique tightness. The Rays are facing a left-hander against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, but he'll be available off the bench and is expected to return to the starting lineup for the second game of the series on Saturday. It's good news that the oft-injured 29-year-old won't need a trip to the injured list early in the 2024 season. Oblique injuries can linger, though, so it's an ailment that could affect Lowe's production at the plate moving forward. The former third-rounder in 2015 out of Maryland is off to a slow start at the dish, too, going 3-for-16 (.188) with a homer and four RBI in his first five games of the year.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning allowed no hits and gave up no runs across 5 2/3 innings of work against the New York Mets on Thursday. He struck out three batters while walking four. Manning, who started the season with Triple-A Toledo, was added to the roster ahead of Thursday's doubleheader. The 26-year-old will likely return to the minors in the meantime, but he solidified himself as a go-to option for the Tigers if a spot in the rotation opens up. He offers modest streaming appeal in favorable matchups if he returns to the big leagues.UPDATE: The Tigers sent Manning back to Toledo after his solid spot start in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader.

New York Mets right-hander Jose Butto gave up one run on three hits across six innings of work during Thursday's 2-1 doubleheader win over the Detroit Tigers. He recorded six strikeouts and allowed three walks across 90 pitches. It was an impressive spot start for the 26-year-old after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse. Butto will likely be sent straight back to the minors, but he could get another crack at the rotation if an injury arises. He could be a potential streaming option against weaker opponents for fantasy managers if he returns to the big league level.

Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Nick Nastrini is unlikely to be called up heading into next week's series against the Cleveland Guardians. The White Sox need a fifth starter for their rotation, but manager Pedro Grifol said that Nastrini is currently dealing with an illness.The 24-year-old had a decent spring and is currently one of the team's top pitching prospects. It appears as though Nastrini's major-league debut will have to wait a little longer, at which point he will be someone to keep an eye on in deeper leagues.

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez went 2-for-5 with two RBI during Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers. The 22-year-old has now collected multiple hits in three of his last four games. Alvarez showcased his raw power during his rookie season by belting 25 home runs, but his .209 batting average and .284 on-base percentage left a lot to be desired. Alvarez has looked more composed at the plate to start 2024, slashing .400/.429/.700 with a homer and four RBI through 21 plate appearances. While his ratios are sure to regress, Alvarez looks like he could provide a solid offensive season for fantasy managers.