fantasy

Taylor could be limited to more of a part-time role to begin 2023 with David Peralta, James Outman and Mookie Betts looking like the Dodgers' primary outfielders, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Advice: The left-handed bats of Peralta and Outman should have them seeing most of their chances against right-handed pitching, which likely leaves Taylor to start versus southpaws. Taylor certainly didn't help himself with a poor showing during spring training, as he hit .125 and struck out 23 times in 57 plate appearances, which tops his career-worst 35.2 percent strikeout rate from 2022. The veteran utility man should still see fairly regular at-bats between shortstop -- where Miguel Rojas is filling in with Gavin Lux (knee) out for the season -- and the outfield, but Taylor's fantasy utility could be limited unless he's able to make more consistent contact and carve out a larger role. Rotowire.com 35 minutes ago

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Sunday that Diaz will likely start at shortstop against right-handed pitching to begin the season, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Advice: Meanwhile, Nick Allen is expected to enter the lineup at shortstop versus southpaws, though Diaz's right-handedness and defensive versatility should be enough for him to see his fair share of playing time against lefties as well. Signed to a two-year, $14.5 million contract this winter, Diaz looks as though he'll be in line for a near-everyday role, given that he's one of the few Oakland hitters who has had a modicum of success at the highest level. Allen is the better defensive option at shortstop, but Diaz's clearer path to regular playing time and stronger track record at the dish makes him the superior fantasy option. Rotowire.com Today, 10:16 am

Urias (head) will start at third base and bat fifth in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Advice: Urias had been out of action the past two days after he experienced a bout of dizziness, but he was never diagnosed with a concussion and looks like he'll be good to go after a brief respite. Though he'll be making his first start of the spring at third base, Urias is projected to see most of his action at the keystone in 2023 after seeing five of his six Cactus League starts to date at that position. Rotowire.com Today, 10:10 am

Hager was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Advice: Hager was re-signed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training at the end of January. The infielder will provide some infield depth at Triple-A Reno for the upcoming campaign. Rotowire.com Today, 9:31 am

Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that Chang is expected to play Monday against Atlanta, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Advice: Cora notes that Chang is moving well, and that he looks the same physically after missing time away from the Red Sox for the World Baseball Classic and then a visa issue, and that they have no questions with him defensively. "It's just a matter of where we're at (roster-wise) in the upcoming days," Cora said. Chang is right on the roster bubble for Boston, and the Red Sox likely won't make a decision until right before Opening Day. Rotowire.com Today, 7:50 am