Slugger Miguel Cabrera joined his teammates on the field for batting practice on Tuesday before the Tigers played an exhibition game against Florida Southern.

It was just his first live batting-practice session of Spring Training, and most of the hitters did not even swing the bat, but Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann treated it with increased intensity.

In mapping out their spring pitching schedule, the Cardinals have decided to give Carlos Martinez not just a long look, but also the first one, as Martinez pursues a job in the starting rotation.

Asked if he ever wonders why he still seems to fly under the national radar as pitching coach of the three-time World Series champion Giants, Dave Righetti grinned, winked and said, “That’s the idea.” Bruce Bochy, distinguished manager of the reigning champs, doesn’t hesitate in freely praising Righetti, who is entering his 16th season as pitching coach.

When the Reds open their exhibition schedule on Tuesday vs. the Indians, the only regular position player not in the starting lineup will be the one whose status is under the most scrutiny — first baseman Joey Votto.

Outfielder Courtney Hawkins, ranked as the fifth-best White Sox prospect, once put pressure on himself to reach the Majors yesterday. Now, the team’s top Draft pick from 2012 is letting his progress take its natural course.

Though still limited in running and agility work, Adam Wainwright received the go-ahead from the training staff and returned to the mound on Monday to throw his first bullpen session in 10 days. Wainwright threw 41 pitches in the session, describing it afterward as “exactly what I wanted it to be.”

The Tigers pursued Yoenis Cespedes when he was a free agent out of Cuba, but a twist of fate forced Detroit to go in another direction. Now, the two seek a championship together.

While we salivate at the release of the Top 100 prospect lists, the fact is that very few players become superstars. But some still manage to surprise you when most have stopped paying attention. Who could it be this season?

There’s a voracious reader in the Tigers clubhouse. Wynton Bernard has always found books as a way to fill the free time in a Minor League season.

The Blue Jays announced they signed free agent Dayan Viciedo to a Minor League contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training on Sunday.The 25-year-old outfielder was released by the White Sox in February.

Upon arriving in camp for the first time this spring, new shortstop Didi Gregorius received these words of wisdom from manager Joe Girardi: Try to be the best Didi Grigorius you can be. Don’t try to be like Derek Jeter, the icon he’s replacing on the left side of the Yanks infield.

The D-backs’ newly signed Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas will see time at third base and in the outfield during Spring Training in order to get as many at-bats as possible.

MLB.com’s Statcast player tracking system won an Alpha Award for Best Analytics Innovation/Technology at the annual Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.

Getting hit by a pitch was bound to happen sometime. For Giancarlo Stanton, it happened to be on his third plate appearance in the Marlins’ first simulated game of the spring.

D-Backs’ brass came out in force Saturday to get a first look at Cuban right-hander Yoan Lopez, who threw his first live batting practice session since signing with the organization in January.

The Twins began the day with their customary rapid-fire infield drills and saw live batting practice between pitchers and hitters for the first time this spring. Trevor Plouffe, however, was absent from the drills but is expected to return soon.