Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart left in the fourth inning of Sunday’s 13-5 loss to the Rays with a bruised jaw after taking a foul ball off the center of his mask.
Rangers’ rotation competition set to heat up
The Rangers are going with right-hander A.J. Griffin as their starter in Monday’s game against the Indians in Goodyear, Ariz.. Griffin has pitched in two Cactus League games, but this will be his first start.
Baez adds second base to spring positions
If it’s Sunday, it must be a new position for the Cubs’ Javier Baez, who has started in center field, shortstop, first base and now second base this spring.
Rays looking for specific skillsets in bullpen
At this juncture of the spring, the Rays find themselves with a crowded bullpen picture. When Kevin Cash was asked about what he’s looking for in the players that will comprise this year’s group, the Rays’ manager stated the obvious: “We want guys who can get outs.”
Showalter: No MRI for Wieters’ elbow yet
Not much has changed for Matt Wieters a day after the Orioles catcher left Saturday’s win over the Twins with right elbow soreness, but he and the club remain hopeful that the injury will prove not to be serious. X-rays taken Saturday on the elbow were negative.
The Astros held a b-ball tournament and Carlos Correa drained buckets in a James Harden jersey
An appropriate mid-March activity.
Each team’s player most likely to spring forward
As much of the country turns its clocks forward Sunday morning, here’s a look at some candidates who appear primed to spring forward in their own way with predictions for all 30 clubs.
Herrera has come a long way as center fielder
Odubel Herrera was primarily a second baseman when the Phillies took him in the Rule 5 Draft before the 2015 season and converted him to the outfield. It’s not a stretch to say that, a year ago, he likely wouldn’t have made the catch he made to rob Kevin Pillar of a hit on Saturday.
Asdrubal: Knee strain puts Opening Day in question
Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera returned to camp on Sunday, noncommittal about his status for Opening Day.
Cowboys and Indians: Anderson spending time at ranch
The drive to the ranch is only seven miles, but it feels like a world away for Cody Anderson. When his work day is done with the Indians, the 25-year-old right-hander gets in his white pickup and heads south toward the Estrella Mountains, which serve as the backdrop for Cleveland’s Spring Training complex.
Baker pleased with Nationals’ overall play
Manager Dusty Baker put it best after watching his Nationals run past the Braves, 11-1, at Champion Stadium on Saturday night: The team was firing on all cylinders.
Taylor, Drew lead Nats vs. Banuelos, Braves
Michael Taylor had three hits and scored a pair of runs and Clint Robinson crushed a two-run homer as the Nationals defeated the Braves, 11-1, Saturday night at Champion Stadium.
Cain shows progress; Casilla makes debut
Though conventional wisdom would indicate that Matt Cain lacks enough time to build enough arm strength to enable him to join the Giants’ season-opening rotation, all parties concerned remain willing to evaluate and re-evaluate the right-hander’s progress daily. Thus, Cain and the Giants continue to hope he’ll be ready to occupy the fourth or fifth starter’s spot without delay.
Cashner brings heat in hitless outing vs. Tribe
Andrew Cashner tossed three hitless innings with five strikeouts before the Padres used a three-run eighth inning to claim a 6-3 Cactus League win over the Indians on Saturday at the Peoria Sports Complex.
Hultzen among those in first round of Mariners cuts
Former top pick Danny Hultzen, fellow left-hander Brad Mills and outfielder Mike Baxter were reassigned on Saturday, the first cuts the Mariners have made this spring.
Live hitters could be in Bailey’s near future
Homer Bailey will throw a bullpen session on Thursday and, if all goes well, the Reds pitcher returning from Tommy John surgery could face live hitters soon after, still targeting May for a return to the Majors.
New slider showing promise for Angels’ Santiago
Name a pitch, and there’s a good chance Hector Santiago throws it. Fastball, cutter, sinker, changeup, curveball, even a screwball. The slider, though, is a different story.