The Arizona Diamondbacks faced an unexpected rained-out game against the Los Angeles Angels, prompting adjustments to their pitching schedule just ahead of the spring training's end. Manager Torey Lovullo announced that ace Zac Gallen will now start on Saturday, with Jordan Montgomery making his debut alongside A.J. Puk and other key pitchers. Meanwhile, others, including Kevin Ginkel and Joe Mantiply, will partake in a simulated game to maintain their rhythm during this disruption. Lovullo reassured that the team remains adaptable despite the weather challenges.

In terms of player health, Corbin Carroll appears ready for action after recovering from back tightness, while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is expected to return soon from leg issues. Cristian Pache, however, is dealing with a groin strain that may sideline him for several days. On the flip side, Kendall Graveman is optimistic about being fit for opening day following a clean imaging report.

Identifying potential bounce-back candidates is crucial for fantasy managers as they prepare for the 2025 season. Players like Nick Lodolo, who faced injuries yet showed promise in limited outings, can be undervalued assets. Similarly, Jordan Montgomery's lackluster 2024 may overshadow his previous success, making him a potential steal. Gerrit Cole, while not performing at his ace standard, offers a chance for a rebound if spring training goes well. Lastly, Jesus Luzardo's previous high strikeout rates and improved team context make him a sleeper worth considering. These pitchers may provide significant value if they can reclaim their prior performance levels.

In the competitive landscape of fantasy baseball, targeting late-round relief pitchers and closers can offer significant value for managers looking to enhance their roster without breaking the bank. This year’s draft strategy emphasizes the importance of securing reliable arms in the later rounds, particularly in leagues with 12 or more teams. The analysis identifies five intriguing options that could yield saves and bolster your pitching staff.

A.J. Puk emerged as a standout for the Arizona Diamondbacks after transitioning from a starter to a reliever, boasting impressive strikeout rates and a stellar ERA. Similarly, Chris Martin's return to the Texas Rangers positions him as a potential closer, especially with his low walk rate and strong past performance.

Further, Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals, despite a mixed second half last season, is projected to secure early saves. Seth Halvorsen from the Rockies, showing promise with a high-velocity fastball, is also in the mix for saves. Lastly, Calvin Faucher of the Marlins offers solid upside in a shaky bullpen. Each of these pitchers presents unique opportunities for fantasy owners willing to take calculated risks.

In the pursuit of top-tier pitching talent for fantasy baseball, analyzing walk and ground-ball rates can unveil hidden gems. Bryan Woo of the Seattle Mariners made significant strides in his control, reducing his walk rate to an impressive 2.8%, while Jack Flaherty revitalized his career with the Detroit Tigers, showcasing a 5.9% walk rate in a bounce-back season. Jake Irvin, pitching for the Washington Nationals, improved his zone command, though he still battles hard contact issues. Nick Pivetta's transition to the San Diego Padres includes a notable drop in walk rate, though concerns about home runs linger.

Ground-ball specialists also emerged, with Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks enhancing his ground-ball rate significantly, thanks in part to a revamped pitch mix. Detroit's Reese Olson and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves have also shown improvements, with Sale looking to reclaim his Cy Young form despite injury concerns. Ryan Weathers, another noteworthy mention, has made strides in both walk and ground-ball rates, making him a potential sleeper for fantasy drafts.

Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.