Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves faces a significant setback after fracturing his left rib, sidelining him for at least a month. This injury forces him out of the Braves' opening game against the San Diego Padres on March 27. Murphy, a former All-Star, had a disappointing 2024 season, where he recorded career lows in batting average (.193), on-base percentage (.284), and slugging percentage (.352).

With Murphy unavailable, the Braves will turn to Chadwick Tromp as the starting catcher, while top prospect Drake Baldwin is likely to compete for a more significant role in the near future. Baldwin impressed at the minor league level last season, hitting .276/.370/.423 with 16 home runs, ranking as CBS Sports' No. 32 prospect. Murphy's absence opens the door for Baldwin to potentially take over the starting duties if he performs well, while the team will also have to navigate the absence of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider due to their recovery from injuries.

In fantasy baseball, patience is key, especially when managing injured players. Stashing players with injury concerns can be a smart move, particularly during the later rounds of drafts. Players like Nico Hoerner (2B, Chicago Cubs) and Sean Manaea (LHP, New York Mets) may be worth the wait as they recover. Acuña and Strider are notable longer-term stashes who could make a comeback around the fantasy playoffs. Expect to see a mixed bag of performances upon their return, yet their potential upside warrants consideration.

Prospects for Acuña (of the Atlanta Braves) and Strider suggest they may return to the field but may not immediately regain their elite status. Other players, such as Shane Bieber and Eury Pérez, represent keeper league options with high ceilings for the future. Understanding injury timelines is crucial for optimizing your fantasy roster.

The Boston Red Sox's spring training facility is buzzing with the emergence of three standout prospects: Kristian Campbell, Roman Anthony, and Marcelo Meyer. These young hitters are not just practicing; they're engaged in a rigorous and innovative training regimen that leverages modern technology and competitive spirit. Under the guidance of hitting coordinators, the trio is honing their skills by utilizing advanced tools like HitTrax and a Trajekt pitching machine, which replicates pitches from MLB. As they push each other in Cage 4, they embody the Red Sox's new hitting philosophy aimed at overcoming the challenges pitchers pose today.

All three are on the cusp of breaking into Major League Baseball, with Campbell potentially debuting as soon as Opening Day. Their training sessions are designed to address key aspects of hitting, including swing decisions and ball flight, taking inspiration from baseball legends like Ted Williams. As they prepare to face top-tier pitchers like Gerrit Cole, their experiences in the cages are expected to translate seamlessly into real-game scenarios.

Spring training is nearly upon us, and the fantasy baseball landscape is buzzing with activity. The latest dynasty rankings for second basemen reveal some familiar faces and rising stars. Ketel Marte stands out with a stellar 2024 season, boasting a remarkable .292/.372/.560 slash line along with 36 home runs and 95 RBIs. Following him, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is set to transition to the Yankees' second base, bringing his explosive power-speed combo into play.

Prospect Kristian Campbell is making waves after an impressive year in the minors, while Cincinnati's Matt McLain, despite a torn labrum in 2024, showed promise in his rookie year. Ozzie Albies remains a solid option per game, but durability concerns loom large. Jackson Holliday's 2024 was underwhelming, yet his potential keeps him on the radar. Veteran Jose Altuve continues to produce, but his trade value might be slipping. Finally, Marcus Semien's ability to still contribute makes him a worthwhile pursuit for contending teams.