Healing at an encouraging pace, Giants right-hander Tim Hudson said Tuesday he will try to throw off a bullpen mound Wednesday for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery last month.

Outfielder Nori Aoki said Tuesday that his first official workout with the Giants was “a lot of fun,” though he had second thoughts about wrestling Madison Bumgarner.

The Phillies said they had interest in the Cuban prospect, but how much is uncertain.

David Murphy might find himself on the Indians’ Opening Day roster when everything is said and done, but the veteran outfielder’s role has yet to be determined. Depending on the health of a few other players, Murphy could be the starting right fielder or an extra player on the bench.

Mike Fiers still thinks about the wayward fastball that struck Giancarlo Stanton in the face last September, but said he must continue to pitch inside if he’s to remain successful in the Major Leagues.

Following offseason surgery on his hip, Brandon Moss is working through a gradual hitting and throwing progression, and he is optimistic about his chances of being ready for Opening Day.

In a starting rotation headed by Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly thinks Hyun-Jin Ryu doesn’t get enough credit.

Jean Segura arrived at Maryvale Baseball Park bearing news of a better finish to what was a tough 2014 season.

Giants right fielder Hunter Pence probably won’t play all 162 games this season. Manager Bruce Bochy revealed Tuesday that he and Pence discussed the wisdom of an occasional rest.

As Mariners position players reported for camp on Tuesday, Robinson Cano arrived with a breath of fresh air and a healthy dose of optimism. But the six-time All-Star second baseman also knows that all the raised expectations and excitement can disappear in a hurry if things don’t go well.

Tyler Thornburg would love to settle into a set role. But for now, the right-hander remains the Swiss Army knife of the Brewers’ pitching staff.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto already has pushed back last week against personal criticism about his hitting approach. On Tuesday, Votto took to task those who say that his team has no leaders, especially since the departure of veteran Scott Rolen, who retired after the 2012 season.

All 64 players in Reds camp took part in the club’s first full-squad workout on Tuesday afternoon. Position players that reported on Monday underwent physicals on Tuesday morning, followed by a team meeting.

The role of leader is one that Adam LaRoche will gladly assume with the White Sox, as both the oldest player on the team’s 40-man-roster and a man who comes to the organization with the reputation of being a highly positive clubhouse influence. He also knows that arriving in a new league via free agency, let alone a new organization, means that mantle of leadership won’t be assumed overnight.

In addition to the routine medical physicals each player undergoes each spring, the Astros and Houston Methodist, their long-time health care provider, this year are introducing a new sports medicine assessment designed to help prevent injuries and speed up recovery time when players are banged up.

Francisco Lindor pushed through the pain, sprinted hard and dove through the line of orange cones to an eruption of cheers from his Indians teammates on Tuesday morning. It was only a performance test, but the shortstop prospect wanted badly to be the last player standing.

Cuban infield prospect Yoan Moncada is on the verge of making history. Moncada’s deal with the Red Sox that features a $31.5 million signing bonus — a figure that smashes the $8.27 million bonus record for an international amateur under the current signing guidelines, which was given to right-hander Yoan Lopez by the D-backs in January — is being finalized.