Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (wrist) might not be ready for Opening Day later this month as a precaution after last year's wrist discomfort, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. The Brewers have chosen to slow-play Priester this spring, which is why the 25-year-old has yet to pitch in a Cactus League game in spring training. Priester's wrist injury isn't a concern, though, which is the good news. The only thing that might delay him from making his 2026 debut is the fact that he might not be fully built up by then. Priester, a former 18th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019, was great for the Brew Crew last year in his first season with the team, going 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with a career-high 132 strikeouts and 50 walks in 157 1/3 innings over 29 outings (24 starts). He has limited strikeout upside and will likely be due for some regression in 2026, but Priester is a rising late-round target for starting pitching depth in mixed leagues.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) could throw a bullpen session next week, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Hader came into spring training last month with left-biceps inflammation and has been limited to throwing on flat ground so far. The move to throwing off a mound is a big step for the 31-year-old, but it doesn't necessarily ensure that he'll be ready to go by Opening Day in late March. Fantasy managers need to keep in mind that the hard-throwing southpaw also missed the last seven weeks of the 2025 regular season due to a left-shoulder strain. Typically an elite closer in fantasy, Hader's stock is falling due to injury concerns going into the 2026 campaign. Meanwhile, Bryan Abreu has become a popular late-round target as the likely ninth-inning replacement if Hader begins the year on the injured list.

Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes will make his first Grapefruit League start at first base on Tuesday night, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Manager Joe Espada said Paredes' practice "work around the base has been good -- holding runners, scoops, all that." Paredes will move back to third base for his next start. The Astros are moving the 27-year-old around the diamond at third, second, and first this spring to try to find additional ways to get him into the starting lineup regularly. Carlos Correa is the primary third baseman, while Jose Altuve is moving back to second full-time in 2026, leaving Paredes without a permanent defensive home. If he isn't traded before Opening Day, Paredes may serve in more of a utility infield role. The two-time All-Star hit 20 home runs in only 102 games last year in his first season in Houston, and he has plenty of pop in his bat, but his fantasy value will remain limited as long as he stays with the Astros.

Boston Red Sox infielder Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) got discouraging MRI results back on his injured shoulder, prompting him to seek a second opinion. The 29-year-old is expected to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache, but manager Alex Cora has already stated that he anticipates that the right-handed slugger is going to need surgery. The former first-rounder was competing for a roster spot this spring, however, it looks like he'll begin the season on the injured list. While the veteran offers some decent pop that could make him interesting for fantasy, he's off the radar until he returns to the big league lineup.