It was announced on Saturday that Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin would not be on the team's Opening Day roster, and on Sunday, Milb Central reports that Griffin will start the year at Triple-A Indianapolis. It was looking like the 19-year-old phenom might become the first teenager to start on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. did it back in 1989. He hit just .171 (7-for-41) in 16 Grapefruit League games, but Griffin also had four home runs, nine RBI, a stolen base, five runs scored, and a .749 OPS this spring. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 impressed his teammates with his physicality and his maturity in spring training. In three minor-league levels in 2025, Griffin excelled with a .333/.415/.527 slash line, .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games played. Griffin can do it all on the diamond and should be up in Pittsburgh for his major-league debut sooner than later in 2026. Even though he'll start in the minors, fantasy managers should be stashing the potential once-in-a-generation talent.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (arm) is going to open the season on the 15-day Injured List. Rodriguez is reportedly dealing with general soreness that will keep him sidelined to start the year. He's basically dealing with dead arm that will hopefully only keep him sidelined for the minimum of 15 days. Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson have been named the final two starters with Rodriguez out. Rodriguez hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2024, with him missing all of last season due to elbow issues. When healthy, Rodriguez has posted good numbers, but the arm issues make him difficult to trust as a long-term fantasy option.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (biceps) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Sunday. The southpaw has been able to throw a few bullpen sessions, but there is no word on when he'll advance to facing hitters. Hader will begin the season on the Injured List while he recovers from a biceps injury. There doesn't seem to be a clear timetable for Hader's return right now, which makes him a risky fantasy closer. He posted a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and a 76:16 K/BB ratio with 28 saves last season. His numbers were solid, but he also ended the season with a left-shoulder strain. Both age regression and injuries should be taken into account when deciding to draft Hader. Once healthy, Hader should resume the closer role, but Bryan Abreu figures to fill that role until he's ready to go.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (finger) is currently trending towards being ready for Opening Day. The southpaw was removed from Wednesday's outing due to a blister on his left index finger. He doesn't appear to be in danger of missing Opening Day after throwing a successful bullpen session over the weekend. The Brewers will continue to monitor the situation, as blisters can often be a recurring issue. Barring any setbacks, Harrison seems likely to be ready for the beginning of the regular season. He posted a 4.04 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and a 38:14 K/BB ratio across six starts last season. The 24-year-old could be an interesting late-round option for fantasy managers looking for pitching depth.