Roberto Hernandez, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, has cleared one hurdle in his fight to return to the United States and pitch for the Indians.

Ubaldo Jimenez understands that the extreme dissection of his outings comes with the territory. He was a blockbuster trade acquisition last summer and the expectations are high for him heading into his first full season with the Indians.

Former first-round pick Chris Withrow is in the role of Rubby De La Rosa from a year ago, a Double-A prospect who looks like he's ready to help the Dodgers sometime this year.

On consecutive plays in the fifth inning, both first baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas hit the dirt and left Monday's game. Hosmer was OK and Moustakas had only a bruised knee.

Marlins president David Samson, an accomplished distance runner, will have some company when he embarks on the 50-mile “Run to Honor the Workers,” which will also raise money for 10 charities.

The White Sox ranked second in the American League in fielding percentage, committing only 79 errors, a season ago, but they feel they are going to be even better defensively in 2012.

There are no stadium radar gun displays at the Red Sox's JetBlue Park, a circumstance that likely lessened the number of questions Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco had to field about how hard he was throwing in his 3 1/3 innings of work Monday.

Though Buster Posey's return will grab the headlines, perhaps no backstop has given the Giants as much reason for optimism this spring as 22-year-old switch hitter Hector Sanchez.

Like most of his veteran teammates, D-backs closer J.J. Putz was interested to see what all the buzz was about regarding top prospect Trevor Bauer.

Paul Maholm made his first Cactus League appearance on Monday, starting against the Reds at HoHoKam Park. Maholm, who had been slowed this spring by the flu, gave up one run on two hits over two innings, striking out one. Jeff Samardzija followed Maholm, pitching out of the bullpen for the first time this spring.

The education of catcher Chris Iannetta as to the different personalities and repertoires of the pitchers he'll be receiving for the Angels this year began as soon as he arrived in camp, and it continues each day in Arizona.

The Rangers are starting to get some of their players healthy, but second baseman Ian Kinsler and catcher Mike Napoli were out of the lineup again on Monday against the Mariners.

Even in Spring Training, the pairing of managers with sharp tongues and sharp wits can create a hoopla, if not make a mess.

Angels players who have been dealing with physical issues both recent and long term continued to make progress toward returning to action on the field soon.

It has been six years since Dusty Baker managed the Cubs, but some things never cycle out of a person's system.

White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy got hit for six runs on eight hits over 2 1/3 innings in a 9-4 loss to the A's on Monday in Cactus League action. Alex Rios and Kosuke Fukudome combined for three RBIs.

The same drive that permeates Cardinals aces Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter exists in Nationals phenom Bryce Harper, who is determined to become a star.