The Texas Rangers will face a pivotal test with ace Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-day injured list due to right posterior elbow inflammation, following his exit with triceps tightness. Though Eovaldi expressed readiness to pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Rangers opted for caution, emphasizing a long-term strategy over immediate needs. The team's rotation, featuring Jacob deGrom, Tyler Mahle, Jack Leiter, and Patrick Corbin, boasts a league-leading 2.80 ERA. This rotation has been crucial to keeping the Rangers competitive in the AL West, as they've won 21 of 24 games when scoring four or more runs.

With Eovaldi expected to return by June 13, the Rangers are optimistic about managing his health. Meanwhile, Kumar Rocker, recovering from a shoulder impingement, aims to contribute positively after a recent no-hit performance in the minors. Manager Bruce Bochy is balancing pitch counts for deGrom and maintaining rotation depth, highlighting the importance of a healthy and effective pitching staff throughout the season.

As spring training approaches its conclusion, several position battles are heating up across MLB, presenting opportunities for savvy fantasy baseball managers. In the AL East, the Boston Red Sox's second base competition sees David Hamilton performing well, potentially edging out Kristian Campbell despite Campbell's prospect status. The corner outfield for Boston looks set with Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela, though Masataka Yoshida’s health could shuffle roles.

With Giancarlo Stanton on the shelf, the Yankees are assessing their DH options, including Ben Rice and Dominic Smith, although they might utilize Trent Grisham's defensive prowess instead. The Blue Jays face a similar dilemma with Anthony Santander, who will juggle DH and left field duties, influencing the playing time of Joey Loperfido and Alan Roden. As for the AL Central, Cleveland’s Jhonkensy Noel and Will Brennan are in a tight race for right field, while Detroit is figuring out who's best suited to fill the gaps left by injuries.

In the AL West, Houston's right field spot is highly contested between rookies Cam Smith and Zach Dezenzo, with Smith's recent performance making headlines. The injury to Yoan Moncada also complicates the Angels' infield dynamics, indicating that this battle will be one to watch. As spring training wraps up, staying alert to these positional changes could lead to key picks in upcoming drafts.

Chase DeLauter's recent surgery for a sports hernia has left the Cleveland Guardians facing a significant challenge heading into the new season. With an expected recovery time of 8 to 12 weeks, DeLauter's absence from the Opening Day roster highlights the Guardians' glaring weakness in their outfield's offensive production. Last year's performance from the outfielders was lackluster, particularly in right field, where the combined slash line of .219/.288/.385 was one of the worst in the AL.

This setback places the Guardians in a precarious position, having to rely on their existing outfielders such as Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel, who struggled to deliver adequate offensive contributions last season. The organization could have benefited from securing a free-agent outfielder as insurance, especially given DeLauter's injury history. Now, Cleveland must regroup and find a way to improve their offensive output from a struggling outfield as they prepare for the 2024 season.

Identifying breakout players can significantly enhance your fantasy baseball strategy. This season, several American League outfielders are primed for a leap forward, especially given their current Average Draft Positions (ADPs). A carefully chosen breakout talent can provide excellent value, so consider these five players:

Jhonkensy Noel of the Cleveland Guardians showcased impressive power in 2024, hitting 13 home runs in just 198 plate appearances. With a high barrel rate and solid hard-hit percentage, he could be a late-round steal with potential for greater playing time in 2025.

Kerry Carpenter, despite missing part of last season due to injury, still posted impressive numbers. His ability to hit well against right-handers makes him a candidate for value at an ADP of 198, especially if he improves against lefties.

Lawrence Butler of the Oakland Athletics combines power and speed, having already shown signs of a breakout with a 20/20 potential. His ADP is higher due to his previous success, but he's worth considering as he embarks on his first full MLB season.

Juan Brito, another Guardian, is in a position battle for the second base job but offers outfield eligibility. If he secures a regular spot, his potential upside at an ADP of 640 makes him a noteworthy late-round pick.

Lastly, Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels remains a tantalizing option. With past pedigree and potential for increased playing time, he could finally fulfill his breakout promise at a low-cost ADP outside the top 400.

The Cleveland Guardians experienced a standout 2024 season, significantly influenced by unexpected contributors like outfielder Jhonkensy Noel. Making his major league debut in June, Noel showcased his power by hitting 13 home runs with a .774 OPS in just 198 plate appearances. His performance sparked discussions among fans about him securing a starting role in right field for 2025. However, Guardians insider Mandy Bell cautioned that the team might prefer a rotation in right field, citing concerns over Noel’s ability to handle an everyday role. Although Noel’s explosive batting is undeniable, he struggled with a .218 batting average, leading to 63 strikeouts against only 13 walks. Bell emphasized that for Noel to thrive, he needs to improve his pitch selection and patience at the plate.