The landscape of MLB fantasy baseball often requires a different approach than other sports like football. In this realm, assembling a robust roster is vital, especially relying on mid-to-late-round pitchers with high ceilings. Names like Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants and Cristopher Sanchez from the Philadelphia Phillies stand out as potential steals in drafts. Ray, with a solid history of strikeouts and a favorable park factor, is set for a rebound. Sanchez showcases an impressive velocity increase and strikeout potential. Then there's Yusei Kikuchi, who excelled with the Houston Astros and is expected to replicate that success with the Angels. Other notable mentionables include Brandon Pfaadt, Spencer Arrighetti, MacKenzie Gore, and Gavin Williams, all of whom have demonstrated significant upside and could emerge as key contributors this season.

The Blue Jays have reached the halfway point of their Grapefruit League schedule with a 9-6-1 record following a high-scoring 13-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. While wins matter little in spring training, individual performances provide insights. Alan Roden, a standout outfielder, boasts impressive stats with a .438 batting average and a 1.563 OPS, making a case for a spot on the roster. Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, at 40 years old, shows he still has the ability to dominate with a 2.00 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 9 innings. Other notable performances include Jeff Hoffman and Yimi García, both of whom are expected to contribute significantly in the bullpen.

On the flip side, health concerns plague the team, notably with Erik Swanson and Ryan Burr sidelined with injuries. Catchers Christian Bethancourt and Ali Sanchez have struggled offensively, while Jonatan Clase has also failed to capitalize on opportunities. Despite some players' poor performance, others, including Myles Straw, have shined recently, leaving the Blue Jays with plenty to ponder as they prepare for the regular season.

The RotoBaller MLB Injury Report highlights significant updates as Spring Training unfolds, shaping fantasy baseball strategies. Ronald Acuña Jr. plans to be cautious on the bases after recovering from a second ACL tear, likely limiting his stolen base contributions. Spencer Strider shows promise in his recovery from elbow surgery, with hopes of an early-season return. Rafael Devers is still working through shoulder issues, raising concerns about his performance. The Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani is expected to split time between batting and pitching due to shoulder and arm surgeries. Meanwhile, injuries to Gunnar Henderson and Grayson Rodriguez present uncertainties for the Baltimore Orioles, affecting their fantasy viability.

The Detroit Tigers have secured right-hander José Urquidy with a one-year deal worth $1 million, which includes a $4 million club option for 2026 and potential performance bonuses totaling an additional $3 million. Urquidy, turning 30 in May, is currently recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2023. This has led to his placement on the 60-day injured list, coinciding with the Tigers also placing Sawyer Gipson-Long on the same list.

Urquidy made his major league debut in 2019 with the Houston Astros and has accumulated a career record of 27-16, along with a 3.98 ERA over 70 starts. Despite his impressive track record, he struggled with injuries in 2023, limiting him to just 16 appearances. His experience in the postseason includes three World Series appearances, with a championship title earned in 2022.

Erik Sabrowski's anticipated 2025 season for the Cleveland Guardians faces a significant delay due to recent elbow inflammation, as confirmed by team medical reports. Following soreness in his left elbow and forearm, Sabrowski received an anti-inflammatory injection and will be resting while a reevaluation is scheduled next week to establish a new timeline for his recovery.

This situation is not ideal, as Sabrowski has a history of arm injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries prior to his MLB debut last fall. His likely absence from the Opening Day roster puts the Guardians in a challenging position, especially with Sam Hentges also sidelined. The team may need to elevate other pitchers such as Joey Cantillo or Logan Allen to fill the gap in the bullpen. Sabrowski's impressive performance last season, where he struck out 19 batters without allowing a run in eight games, leaves a notable void that the Guardians must address quickly.