Scott Kazmir made quick work of the D-backs, striking out two and walking none in an almost hurried performance.

Third baseman Chase Headley’s strained right calf continues to improve and is already to the point where it’s almost like the injury never occurred.

Dr. Frank Jobe, who developed the elbow procedure that became known as Tommy John surgery, died on Thursday at the age of 88. Jobe’s pioneering operation would go on to help hundreds of Major League pitchers with elbow injuries continue their careers, including current Reds like Alfredo Simon. Shortstop Zack Cozart had the operation on his left, non-throwing arm.

Alfonso Soriano brought a first baseman’s glove to camp this spring, just in case, and the Yankees are strongly considering giving him an opportunity to wear it.

CC Sabathia has been tabbed as the Yankees’ starter for the first of their two exhibitions in Panama against the Marlins, and the left-hander is looking forward to reuniting with Mariano Rivera.

The Rangers are at about the halfway point of Spring Training. They have not reached that mark at full gallop. A team that spent the winter focusing on improving its offense has had to abruptly shift focus back toward the pitching staff.

Carmen Berra, Hall of Famer Yogi Berra’s wife of 65 years, died in New Jersey on Thursday night from complications of a stroke suffered earlier this year. She was 85.

Billy Burns is a 5-foot-9 blur. He’s all speed all the time, a Pete Rose-type hustler, some scouts say, and maybe the fastest to grace the game since Rickey Henderson.

Brewers players and staffers have been contributing to a fund for the family of fallen Phoenix police officer John Hobbs, 43, who was killed in a daytime shootout Tuesday about three miles from Maryvale Baseball Park.

On Friday, Chad Billingsley, Orel Hershiser and several members of the Dodgers family expressed their gratitude and shared memories of Dr. Frank Jobe, whose work saved their throwing arms and extended their careers. Jobe died on Thursday. He was 88 and in his 50th season with the Dodgers.

For months, the Cardinals have been candid when asked about Oscar Taveras’ chances of being on the Major League roster come Opening Day. The outfielder’s April assignment, general manager John Mozeliak has said, will have much to do with how Taveras performs this spring. Of course, to make his case, Taveras first had to take the field. That opportunity finally came on Friday.

In Friday’s 8-5 victory over the Astros, Bryce Harper went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer, his first of the spring.

Ubaldo Jimenez threw two perfect innings and struck out three batters in the Orioles’ 15-4 win over the Phillies. He threw 17 of his 25 pitches for strikes, mixing in a few sliders and splitters with his two-seam fastballs.

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke is scheduled to throw to hitters on Saturday. He threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday.

D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has not played in Cactus League games for the past two days due to stiffness in his legs, but is expected to play against the Angels on Saturday.

Former Royals pitcher Ervin Santana is still on the open market and is still talking to clubs — including the Royals.

A close play at first base was upheld by the new instant replay system Friday in the Rays’ 6-3 victory over the Blue Jays in Dunedin.