Bobby Valentine's Spring Training shakedown cruise with the Boston Red Sox has been more difficult than the new skipper ever dreamed.

With just eight Cactus League games remaining before the White Sox depart April 2 for Houston, the team can focus on getting a greater regular-season feel with the everyday lineup.

With just one start remaining before he takes the mound Opening Day against the Giants, D-backs ace Ian Kennedy is pleased with where he's at.

Braves third baseman Chipper Jones underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and still hopes to return in time for Atlanta's April 13 home opener at Turner Field, the club announced on Monday.

Outfielder Norichika Aoki's RBI triple off Indians setup man Vinnie Pestano in the ninth gave the Brewers a 6-5 win in Cactus League action on Monday afternoon at Goodyear Ballpark.

Veteran reliever John Grabow exercised the out clause in his Minor League contract Monday and was granted his unconditional release by the Dodgers to pursue a job elsewhere.

Paul Maholm may be penciled into the Cubs rotation as the fifth starter, but he doesn't consider himself No. 5 on the list. The left-hander tuned up for the regular season Monday, striking out six over five innings in the Cubs' 2-0 win over the Padres.

Bryan LaHair hit an RBI double to back Paul Maholm, who struck out six over five scoreless innings and led a Cubs split squad to a 2-0 victory Monday over the Padres. Cubs closer Carlos Marmol appeared in his first game since last Tuesday when he had to exit because of cramps in his right hand and tightness in his neck and shoulders.

Angels first baseman Kendrys Morales continued to swing a hot bat since returning from injury, going 3-for-4 during a 6-2 loss to the Rockies on Monday.

Ever since the Nationals signed right-hander Edwin Jackson to a one-year, $11 million contract last month, left-hander John Lannan has heard his name in trade rumors. Entering Spring Training, the Nationals appeared loaded with starting pitching, and it looked as if Lannan was the odd man out. However, Lannan has ignored the trade rumors.

There are just as many questions about Chase Utley's chronically injured knees, even after he spoke with reporters Sunday. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr., assistant GM Scott Proefrock and a team spokesman met with Phillies beat reporters for 30 minutes Monday and tried to explain a seemingly complex situation.

Brian Roberts will head north to Baltimore when the team travels there next week, as the second baseman continues to make strides in recovering from a concussion.

Ryan Vogelsong pitched 2 2/3 innings in his spring debut and Pablo Sandoval crushed a two-run homer in the ninth to give the Giants a 4-2 walk-off win over the Royals on Monday.

Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes turned in another positive start on Monday as he competes for a spot in the club's rotation.

Ian Kennedy pitched seven strong innings as the D-backs beat the Cubs, 3-2, on Monday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd at Salt River Fields.

Joe Blanton didn't mince words Monday at Bright House Field. He allowed seven hits, five runs, two home runs and struck out five over five innings in a 6-0 loss in a Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox. Blanton, who will open the season as the Phillies' No. 5 starter, left too many pitches up in the strike zone, and it cost him.

The Mets have signed right-hander Chris Young to a Minor League contract, the club announced Monday.