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Fantasy Index Newsblast

Detroit 3B Brandon Inge, who has been recovering from surgery for knee tendinitis, is set to make his first spring training start on Saturday, the team announced Thursday. Inge said Thursday that he is ready to go and felt fine. Source: Detroit News.

Houston 1b Lance Berkman, who suffered a knee contusion last week, will miss Friday's spring training game in order to have the knee examined by a doctor. Berkman's knee, described as "puffy," has already had fluid drained twice. Berkman has played in five games since the injury, going 4 for 11. Source: Houston Chronicle.

Arizona P Brandon Webb has hit a plateau in his comeback from shoulder surgery, and Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch says there's an increasing chance that Well will start the season on the DL. Webb hasn't thrown a bullpen session in a week and has been limited to playing catch, but Hinch still expects that Webb will get a spring training start. Source: SI.com.

Tampa Bay C Dioner Navarro left the game Thursday after getting hit on his left thumb with an errant pickoff throw. X-rays taken later were inconclusive, but Navarro said the injury was extremely painful. Source: St. Petersburg Times.

The New York Mets said Thursday that SS Jose Reyes, recently diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, will be rested and kept out of all baseball activities until his thyroid stabilizes. Reyes' return was put at anywhere from one week to seven weeks, according to team officials, who will keep Reyes in New York. Reyes must avoid elevating his heartbeat in the meantime. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Cleveland 1b Russell Branyan has continued to be held out because of a herniated disk in his back, the team said Thusday. Branyan has had slow progress in his rehab from the injury, which put him on the DL last September when he played for Seattle. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Minnesota closer Joe Nathan said Thursday he wants to strengthen his arm to try pitching with the torn ligament he suffered earlier in camp. One Twins official, however, was quoted as saying that the chances Nathan would pitch were "infinitesimal." Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Colorado and 1B Todd Helton have agreed on a two-year, $9 million contract extension designed to let Helton retire as a Rockie. The deal, which will keep the 36-year-old Helton under contract until 2013, also included Helton's agreement to defer $13.1 million of the remaining money owed him. Source: Denver Post.

Los Angeles OF Garrett Anderson said Thursday he will try playing 1B in addition to the OF in order to improve his chances of making the Dodgers. The 37-year-old Anderson said he hadn't played in the infield since the minor leagues. Source: Los Angeles Tribune.

Brian Giles, attempting a comeback with Los Angeles, decided instead to retire on Thursday. Giles hadn't played since June of last year with San Diego, going on the DL with knee problems. Giles, who played 16 seasons, said he wouldn't play if he couldn't be the player he was. Source: Los Angeles Tribune.

Tampa Bay P David Price had to leave Wednesday's spring training game in the second inning after being struck by a piece of a broken bat on his glove hand. Price left with a towel wrapped around the hand after being hit by a shard from Boston batter Adrian Beltre's bat, but Price said it was just an abrasion on his palm, and x-rays were negative. Source: Tampa Tribune.

Colorado manager called P Ubaldo Jimenez into his office Wednesday afternoon to tell the RHP he will get the Rockies Opening Day assignment. Jimenez started the Rockies' playoff series against Philadelphia last year after going 15-12 with a 3.47 ERA during the season. Source: Denver Post.

Oakland OF Coco Crisp has a strained left hamstring and there's no timetable at the moment for his return, according to a report Wednesday. Crisp received treatment on the leg, which was wrapped, Wednesday morning. Source: espn.com.

St. Louis 1B Albert Pujols didn't make his expected return to game action Wednesday, and said he will take two or three more days off to let his back recuperate. "It's not sore, it's weak," Pujols said. Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Milwaukee 3B prospect Mat Gamel will be shut down for the second time this spring the team announced Wednesday after Gamel aggravated his shoulder with a throw across the diamond Monday. Gamel originally injured the shoulder in batting practice when he stepped in without warming up completely. The youngster will be held out until at least the weekend. Gamel was considered likely to make the big-league club, but his slowed progress may now hold him back. Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Philadelphia P Brad Lidge threw batting practice to live hitters Wednesday and said afterward everything went well. Lidge is scheduled to throw another BP session, then appear in his first game Monday. Lidge was originally considered two weeks behind the rest of the Phillies pitchers, but now says he could be ready Opening Day. Source: Philadelphia Inquirer.

With closer Huston Street slow in recovering from a shoulder injury and backup Rafael Betancourt struggling to regain his strength after a winter illness, Colorado faces starting the season without a definite option to close ballgames. Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca said in a report Wednesday, "Huston was Plan A as closer and Raffy was Plan B. So we have to know what Plan C would be." Possible candidates mentioned were Franklin Morales, who had 7 saves when Street was out last year, Manural Corpas and Matt Belisle, or some combination of all three. Source: Denver Post.

Oakland P Joey Devine will be sidelined with forearm tendinitis according to a report Wednesday. Devine had a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, but couldn't muster much velocity on his forearm. Devine has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Source: Oakland Tribune.

Cubs P Angel Guzman, who suffered a major shoulder injury while attempting to return from knee surgery, is now facing surgery for the new injury, Guzman said Wednesday. The surgery, to repair a ligament tear in the shoulder, could be extremely difficult for the 28-year-old to return from. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Detroit OF Johnny Damon sat out Wednesday's game against the Yankees after stubbing his toe Tuesday. Manager Jim Leyland said Damon will probably return to the lineup Thursday. Source: Detroit News.

SS/QB returned to the site of his greatest glories Wednesday, signing a one-day minor league contract with the Red Sox in order to retire in a Boston uniform. Garciaparra is set to join ESPN as a baseball analyst. Source: Boston Herald.

SS/QB returned to the site of his greatest glories Wednesday, signing a one-day minor league contract with the Red Sox in order to retire in a Boston uniform. Garciaparra is set to join ESPN as a baseball analyst. Source: Boston Herald.

Detroit manager Jim Leyland believes P Dontrelle Willis has "made huge progress" in his efforts to lick control problems, according to a report Tuesday. Willis, who was an elite pitcher until overcome with wildness, has pitched 4 innings in two games this spring, resulting in 3 walks, 4 Ks and only 1 hit. Source: Detroit News.

Rangers OF Josh Hamilton, slowed earlier by shoulder injuries, made his spring training debut Tuesday, going 2 for 3 while playing LF. Source: Dallas Morning News.

The New York Mets announced Tuesday that tests have shown SS Jose Reyes has an overactive thyroid. Reyes will stay in New York while doctors decide on a course of treatment for him after the results of more blood tests arrive Thursday. The condition isn't considered serious and is usually easily treatable. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Houston P Alberto Arias strained his trapezius muscle in this right shoulder/neck in game action Tuesday, and will be shut down for the rest of the week. Arias has been pitching with discomfort, but was in even more pain with his first pitch Tuesday, and gave up a HR and a walk. Source: Houston Chronicle.

1B/3B Hank Blalock arrived in Tampa Bay's camp Tuesday after agreeing to a minor league deal with the Rays. Source: St. Petersburg Times.

Texas announced Tuesday that the team had acquired P Edwar Ramierez from the New York Yankees for cash. Ramirez, who has been with the Yankees since 2006, had a 5.73 ERA in 22 IP last year. Source: Dallas Morning News.

Despite the expiring contracts of stars SS Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner reiterated New York's policy of no in-season negotiations, and the team will wait until after the season. Steinbrenner said he has spoken with the pair, as well as manager Joe Girardi whose contract also expires at season's end, about his desire that all of them stay with the team. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Toronto RHP Dustin McGowan, trying to return from shoulder surgery, reported no pain after throwing 30 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday. The plan for McGowan, who hasn't pitched since July of 2008, to throw another simulated game if he doesn't experience soreness Wednesday or Thursday, then pitch a spring game some time in March. Source: Associated Press.

Twins closer Joe Nathan, flown back to Minnesota for tests after he felt pain in his elbow during Saturday's game, has a significant tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. Nathan will decide soon whether or not to have Tommy John surgery. He may try to pitch through the injury in the meantime, but his season is very much in doubt and you should be making other plans for saves. Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune.

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa kept 1B Albert Pujols out of Monday's game and plans to keep him out Tuesday as well in hopes of helping the slugger's sore back recover. La Russa the team will re-evaluate Pujols Wednesday. Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Baltimore president Andy MacPhail said Monday 2B Brian Roberts, who has a slightly herniated disk in his back, won't play in a spring training game for at least a week, but expressed confidence that Roberts will be ready to play Opening Day. Source: Baltimore Sun.

Recently acquired Cincinnati P Aroldis Chapman threw at least three fastballs that hit 100 mph on the radar gun Monday in his first game action of spring training. One scout said that Chapman hit 102 mph at his top velocity. Source: Cincinnati Enquirer.

3B Jorge Jimenez, acquired by Florida in a recent trade, is a "dark horse candidate" to be the Marlins' starting 3B, according to manager Fredi Gonzalez in a report published Monday. Florida had planed to move Jorge Cantu back to 3B and let Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez compete for the 1B starting spot, but Gonzalez says he likes what he has seen of Jimenez, citing Jimenez' arm and quality ABs. Source: Miami Herald.

Twins reliever Joe Nathan was set to have and MRI and CT exams done Monday in the Twin Cities and return to camp in Florida the same day. Nathan has been experiencing pain in his right elbow. Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Marlins OF Cameron Maybin has strained his left groin running the bases, according to a report Monday. No prognosis was available, but Maybin said he felt a "pull as opposed to a pop," and considers himself day to day. Maybin reported to camp 10 or 15 pounds over last year's weight. Source: Miami Herald.

Atlanta P Jair Jurrjens, who was slowed at the start of camp by shoulder soreness, is set to throw batting practice Tuesday and then start Thursday's game against the Yankees. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

After being quarantined for a week to keep from infecting other players with conjunctivitis, Mets P Francisco Rodriguez reported back to camp Monday. Rodriguez said the "pink eye" is still causing him some discomfort, but doctors have cleared him to play. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Detroit P Bobby Seay's sore left shoulder is improving, and the Tigers plan to have him playing catch for a week starting Wednesday. But Seay's slow progress recovering from bursitis and rotator cuff tendinitis may keep him from being ready on Opening Day. Seay says he hasn't had difficulty throwing, but warming up and cooling down have been problematic. Source: Detroit News.

Colorado P Aaron Cook is 20 pounds lighter than last year's playing weight, and Cook says he plans to stay at that weight through the season, according to a report Monday. Cook, down to 200 pounds, says the weight loss has his legs feeling good and is helping him get full extension in his delivery. Source: Denver Post.

In a combination of the last two news items we posted - about Russell Martin and Joe Nathan, respectively - Angels OF Torii Hunter aggravated his groin on Friday. Unlike Martin's groin pull, Hunter's injury does not appear to be serious. The Angels believe (as the Twins seem to with Nathan) that Hunter's pain may have resulted from scar tissue breaking up in the area. Source: Los Angeles Times.

After leaving Saturday's game with soreness in his surgically repaired elbow, Joe Nathan has flown back to Minnesota for an MRI the Twins are deeming "precautionary." All parties involved are hoping the pain Nathan felt related to routine breaking up of scar tissue - but you'll want to monitor this closely if your draft is coming up. Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Dodgers C Russell Martin, who showed up at spring training having gained a "mysterious" 25 lbs. - that's the Los Angeles Times' word, not ours - suffered a significant groin pull in his first game action and will miss four to six weeks. The injury probably removes Martin from the Dodgers' Opening Day picture, and could obviously linger into the season given the nature of the position he plays. Not good. Source: Los Angeles Times.

Beleaguered-and-then-some Royal Alex Gordon broke his thumb on a head-first slide on Saturday and will miss three to four weeks. Continuing a long streak of awful luck, Gordon was trying to steal second base on the fateful play and was - you guessed it - thrown out. Source: Kansas City Star.

Rangers OF Josh Hamilton, suffering from a bruised shoulder after an injury-plagued 2009 season, will test the shoulder on Monday - but no one seems to know where, exactly. Hamilton was scheduled to appear in a spring "B" game Sunday morning (he would have led off every inning in the less structured format), but the game was rained out. Manager Ron Washington has hinted that Hamilton may simply skip the "B" game and appear in a proper exhibition, but Hamilton sounds hopeful of getting the extra lower-profile work first. Source: Dallas Morning News.

Updating a story we posted earlier in the weekend, Atlanta SP Jair Jurrjens, who'd previously felt discomfort in his shoulder, threw a batting practice session Sunday morning and is reportedly close to making his spring game debut. For now the plan is to have Jurrjens throw BP again on Wednesday, then possibly pitch for real next Saturday. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Brittle Atlanta veteran Chipper Jones has suffered his first injury of 2010 - but it isn't anything major. Jones jammed his thumb and will sit for a few days. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Mets scratched SS Jose Reyes from Friday's lineup and have delayed his spring debut indefinitely after testing suggested he suffers from a hyperactive thyroid. The team will now send him for additional medical examinations. A specialist told the New York Times that, assuming the problem is relatively common overactivity of the gland, Reyes should be able to resume normal baseball activities without missing too much time: "It depends on what the diagnosis and the treatment is, but it would not be more than a month at the most." Source: New York Times.

D-backs SP Brandon Webb is behind schedule in his return from last year's shoulder surgery, and numerous sources reported Friday that the team is not pretending otherwise. GM Josh Byrnes told ESPN that Webb might open the season on the disabled list unless the pace of his recovery quickens: "It's a long season. If we get 30 starts from him, great. If we get 20, that's great. I think we just need to get it right." One wonders how many fantasy owners - or real-life fans of the club - would agree that getting 20 starts from Webb would be "great." Source: various.

Cubs P Angel Guzman had an MRI on his ailing shoulder Friday, and various reports suggest the team believes his problem is serious. If Guzman requires surgery he will miss several months minimum according to the Chicago Tribune. The team had been expecting him to serve as the primary setup man for closer Carlos Marmol, but, according to manager Lou Piniella, "It doesn't look good." Source: Chicago Tribune.

Tampa Bay prospect Sean Rodriguez hit a home run off the Yankees' Phil Hughes on Friday, his third already this spring. As we noted in this year's magazine, Rodriguez is one of several key Rays to watch, as the extra playing time at 2B and RF (once full-timer Ben Zobrist is accounted for) figures to be split between Rodriguez, Reid Brignac, Matt Joyce and Desmond Jennings. That's a lot of names; we'll let you know when we have a better sense of how things will shake out. Source: MLB.com.

Atlanta SP Jair Jurrjens will throw a batting practice session on Sunday and, if all goes well, should make his spring game debut on Thursday, according to manager Bobby Cox. Jurrjens has experienced discomfort in his throwing shoulder this spring, but it appears for now that there's nothing major to worry about. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

If spring game results are going to count for anything in the battle for the last spot in the Yankees' rotation, Phil Hughes got a big head start on Friday. Hughes allowed 1 earned run to Tampa Bay on 1 hit (a solo HR off the bat of Sean Rodriguez) and 1 walk in 2 IP. Joba Chamberlain relieved Hughes and allowed 5 earned runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in just 1.1 IP. Source: MLB.com.

Yankees DH Nick Johnson, scratched from Thursday's lineup with a stiff back, will sit at least until Sunday. GM Brian Cashman has reportedly told Johnson his spot on the team's roster is secure and there's no need to push himself early on. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger, New York Times.

Mets SS Jose Reyes has a thyroid imbalance and will be sent to New York for further tests, the team announced Friday. Reyes was to play Friday, but was held back after Mets doctors looked at his blood work. Reyes, who says he feels fine, will not do any conditioning or baseball activities until he is cleared by doctors. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Friday P Angel Guzman won't be ready to start the season after the pitcher experienced shoulder discomfort again. Guzman was scheduled to have an MRI to examine the injury, which appeared during the first week of camp. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Atlanta P Jair Jurrjens threw in another pain-free bullpen session Friday and looks set to pitch in a spring training game next Thursday, March 11. Jurrjens had shoulder soreness at the start of camp. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Arizona GM Josh Byrnes says RHP Brandon Web may start the season on the DL if the Diamondbacks can't get Webb into games by next week. Webb, who had surgery to clean out his shoulder in August, has been unable to let loose in bullpen sessions amid worries he'll injure his shoulder. Source: MLB.com.

Mariners officials were alarmed Friday when a report came in that SS Jack WIlson pulled his hamstring while scoring from first base during a spring training game. Wilson, who had hamstring problems last season, left the game in the third inning, said later it was just a twinge or minor tightness, and not in the area that bothered him last year. Source: Seattle Times.

Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker announced Wednesday that P Aaron Harang will start the first game of the season for the Reds. Harang gets the nod over Bronson Arroyo, who had better numbers last year than Harang, but Bronson said he'd prefer the No.2 slot. Source: Cincinnati Enquirer.

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed OF Garret Anderson to a minor-league deal Wednesday. The 37-year-old is the Angels' all-time leader in hits, R and RBI after playing 15 years for the team. Anderson played one season last year with Atlanta. Source: Los Angeles Times.

Highly regarded OF prospect Desmond Jenings was hit on his left elbow by a pitch Wednesday, but the youngster says he's fine and the elbow is "just sore." Jennings was taken out of the game and had his arm wrapped in ice. Source: St. Petersburg Times.

The Chicago Cubs have reached a deal with a Cuban defector, RHP Juan Yasser Serrano the team announced Wednesday. Serrano must pass a physical before the deal is final, and then would likely start the year in Single-A ball. Source: SI.com.

The Diamondbacks announced a new contract Wednesday for OF Justin Upton, paying the 22-year-old $51.25 million over the course of six years. The deal buys out all of Upton's arbitration years (2011-13) plus two years of free agency. In his second full MLB season last year, Upton hit .300/.360/.532, with 26 HR and 20 SB. Source: Arizona Republic.

Colorado manager Jim Tracy said Wednesday that Todd Helton and Jason Giambi, aged 36 and 39 respectively, won't play in any spring training games until next week. Tracy is essentially letting the veterans get ready at their own pace, though there is also the consideration of sparing Helton's surgically repaired back extra bus rides. Source: Denver Post.

Kansas City claimed Red Sox P Gaby Hernandez Wednesday two days after Boston designated Hernandez for assignment. Boston picked up the RHP last month on a waiver claim from Seattle. Source: Kansas City Star.

Washington manager Jim Riggleman gave hints Tuesday that top prospect P Stephen Strasburg will probably start the season in the minor leagues. While not answering reporters' questions directly on where Strasburg will land up, the skipper said the decision will most likely based on what the team thinks is best for the youngster rather than how he performs in camp. "We anticipate that he is going to throw great," Riggleman said. "I think it's going to come down to, what is going to be best for Stephen Strasburg as an organization? I have been very impressed, and I continue to be impressed.... I'm going to be impressed with a lot of guys, but some of them are not going to make the club." Source: MLB.com.

Houston 1B Lance Berkman sat out Tuesday's workout after being diagnosed with a contusion on his left knee and is being listed as day-to-day. Berkman hurt the knee during a baserunning drill on Sunday, and manager Brad Mills said he will probably hold Berkman out of Thursday's Grapefruit League opener. Source: Houston Chronicle.

Colorado closer Huston Street won't take the mound at least through this weekend after shoulder stiffness kept him sidelined Tuesday. Street said he has started taking anti-inflammatories and will continue to play catch, but will be cautious due to stiffness in his right shoulder. Source: Denver Post.

Texas OF Josh Hamilton, still suffering from a bruised shoulder he suffered early in camp, will be held out of the Rangers' Cactus League opener, according to manager Ron Washington. Washington kept Hamilton out of Tuesday's intrasquad game and said there was no timetable for Hamilton's return. Source: Dallas Morning News.

Arizona is close to signing a contract extension with OF Justin Upton, according to various media reports Tuesday. The deal, which could be announced as early as Wednesday, would pay Upton a reported $50 million to keep the OF with the Diamondbacks for the next six years -- which would include the arbitration-eligible years 2011-13. Source: Arizona Republic.

New York Mets OF Carlos Beltran said Tueday he met with FBI officials last week who are investigating a Canadian doctor in connection with distributing performance-enhancing drugs. Beltran said he did receive HGH or any other PED from the doctor, Anthony Galea, who is based in Toronto. Beltran said Galea treated him last summer for a bone bruise on his left knee, examining the knee and devising a rehab program. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Tampa bay OF Rocco Baldelli will work with the Rays this season as a roving OF and baserunning instructor, but he is "not ready to retire" yet, according to a report Tuesday. Baldelli has an unspecified shoulder ailment that keeps him from throwing, and is still deciding how best to cure it, likely tending toward rehab first. Source: St. Petersburg Times.

A day after manager Jim Riggleman said he was assured a spot in Washington's rotation if his shoulder is healthy, P Scott Olsen said Friday he'll be ready "come hell or high water" by Opening Day. Nelson is recovering from surgery to repair a small tear in his shoulder in July. The pitcher said he's "getting stronger by the day" and hasn't had any setbacks in his rehab. Olsen will likely be the third starter behind Jason Marquis and John Lannan. Source: Washington Post.

Boston 3B Adrian Beltre said Friday his right ankle that he twisted earlier this week was feeling much better. Beltre injured the ankle when stepped on a ball Wednesday. Manager Terry Francona said he thought Beltre would be out on the field Saturday with no restrictions. Source: espn.com.

Cubs P Ted Lilly has been sidelined all week with a viral infection, finally did some light tossing Friday, but admitted the illness has put him behind schedule in getting ready for the season. Lilly had offseason knee surgery, and team officials put his likely return to full action at late April or early May. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Royals pitching coach Bob McClure compared veteran reliever Kyle Farnsworth's accuracy with that of Zack Greinke Friday as Kansas City continues to prepare the righty to convert to becoming a starting pitcher. Farnsworth has added a changeup to his repetoire, and says he'll likely throw his fastball mostly in the 92 to 94 mph range as a starter instead of the 97 mph velocity he used as a reliever. Source: Kansas City Star.

SS Tommy Manzella agreed to a split contract for $450,000 Friday with the Houston Astros. Manzella, who hit .289 with 9 HR and 56 RBI last year in AAA, is expected to be the Astros starting SS with the departure of Miguel Tejada. Source: Houston Chronicle.

Atlanta P Jair Jurrjens did long-tossing from 90 feet with minimal discomfort Friday, but the team is being cautious in his return from shoulder soreness. Jurrjens, who reported with shoulder soreness but showed no damage on an MRI, was anxious to throw from a mound. Officials say if the pitcher can comfortably long-toss from 120 feet this weekend, they may let him throw off the mound next week. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Rangers OF Josh Hamilton returned to action Friday after missing two days with shoulder and neck soreness. Hamilton, who landed hard on his shoulder during an OF drill, said he was still sore but had normal range of motion. Source: MLB.com.

Cleveland IF/OF Matt La Porta, recovering from surgeries on his big toe and hip, said Friday he plans on playing in Cactus League games starting March 10. LaPorta has been displaced from 1B with the signing of free agent Russell Branyan and will be part of a crowd competing for time in LF. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Cubs P Angel Guzman will miss two or three days of spring training after complaining of shoulder soreness Thursday, leading Chicago's trainer to shut the pitcher down. Guzman is not expected to be examined, and says the soreness is just the result of not throwing for four-and-a-half months. Source: Chicago Tribune.

After being unable to reach a deal through preseason negotiations, Tampa Bay officials Thursday said talks with OF Carl Crawford are now off until after the end of the season. Crawford is entering the final year of a six-year contract, and has said he hopes to sign an extension with the Rays. Source: St. Petersburg Times.

Mets officials on Thursday told reliever Francisco Rodriguez to stay home while he's suffering a case of contagious pink eye. Rodriguez' eyes have been red all week, and the team doesn't want the malady to spread through the clubhouse. No timetable was out on the pitcher's return. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Dodgers manager Joe Torre revealed his spring pitching schedule Thursday, which seemed to point to P Clayton Kershaw being the starter on Opening Day. Torre wouldn't confirm it, but Kershaw would seem to merit the honor after posting a 2.79 ERA in 30 starts last year, and a home ERA of 1.83, which led the majors. Source: espn.com.

An "extremely sore" neck and shoulder kept Texas OF Josh Hamilton out of drills Thursday, one day after he landed hard chasing a ball in the outfield. The Rangers reported that x-rays taken of Hamilton were negative, and he is considered day-to-day. Source: Associated Press.

Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki is likely to miss some days of training due to the death of a cousin he was very close to, according to a report Thursday. Tulowitzki's cousin Lexy Winters died this week of skin cancer, and the SS is expected to take time off for the funeral and to be with family. Source: Denver Post.

Washington has signed P Rafael Martin according to a report Thursday. The 25-year-old Mexican is "close to the big leagues," said Nationals president Stan Kasten, and will join Washington's accelerated development camp that starts Friday. Source: Washington Post.

Minnesota C Jose Morales, recovering from offseason wrist surgery, was kept out of workouts Thursday with his wrist still in a cast. Morales is trying to stick with the Twins after brief stints in 2007 and 2009, and Minnesota officials say they still expect Morales to be ready by Opening Day. Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

The Texas Rangers have voided the contract with IF Khalil Greene, who has said he will be unable to play due to dealing with Social Anxiety Disorder, the team reported Thursday. The Rangers consulted with Greene, MLB and the players' union before making the move, and have not ruled using Greene if and when he says he can play. Source: Dallas Morning News.

Texas OF Josh Hamilton landed hard on his left shoulder during a pop-up drill Wednesday and left the field for the rest of the day. Hamilton received treatment, but officials said no MRI or further testing is expected. Hamilton is set to be re-evaluated Thursday. Source: Dallas Morning News.

Major League Baseball officials said Wednesday they plan to talk to the players' union about possibly testing big leaguers for HGH. A recently developed test has resulted in the suspension of a British rugby player for using the performance-enhancing substance. Organized baseball can dictate any test given to minor league players, but must reach an agreement with the union before testing major leaguers. Source: Associated Press.

Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Mike Fontenot will get a chance to play SS this spring, according to a report Wednesday. Fontenot has barely played there in previous seasons, but the move could open a roster spot for Kevin Millar. Source: Chicago Tribune.

The Nationals signed a minor-league deal with P Livan Hernandez, giving him an ample opportunity to grab one of the last spots in the starting rotation. This will be the third session with the organization for Hernandez, 35, who as with the Expos when they moved from Montreal to Washington in 2005. Source: Washington Post.

Seattle P Cliff Lee threw in the bullpen for the first time Wednesday, and said the foot he recently had a bone spur removed from wasn't a problem at all. Expected to throw about 35 pitches, Lee threw near 50, mostly fastballs but including a few breaking balls as well. Source: Seattle Times.

Cincinnati's recently signd P Aroldis Chapman faced hitters for the first time in camp Wednesday, throwing a mix of fastballs, sliders and change-ups that befuddled most of his teammates. "Chapman looked very good, very comfortable against hitters," said GM Walt Jocketty. "He threw a lot of strikes. His slider was pretty nasty." Source: Cincinnati Enquirer.

Early results from oft-injured Detroit P Joel Zumaya are promising, according to a report published Wednesday. Zumaya says he's pain-free, but catchers, who've had to put cushions in their gloves to catch his hard stuff, can't say the same. Manager Jim Leyland said Zumaya's fastball is "exploding up there. I'm holding my breath it holds up because that stuff is nasty. There is no shortage of velocity. That I can promise you." Zumaya said he has changed his arm slot and his fastball is coming down at a different angle, which he says should save his arm. Source: Detroit News.

Russell Branyan's one-year deal with Cleveland became official Wednesday after Branyan passed his physical Tuesday. Cleveland has named Branyan as the starter at 1B, displacing last year's starter, Matt LaPorta, who will now compete for ABs with Michael Brantley among others in LF. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Atlanta has signed touted Dominican SS prosepct Edward Salcedo to a contract, the team reported Tuesday. Salcedo will reportedly receive a $1.6 million signing bonus. Salcedo was set to receive a $2.3 million signing bonus from Cleveland in 2007, but an investigation revealed the youngster wasn't yet 16 and MLB voided the contract. Source: MLB.com.

Mariner Jose Lopez took ground balls at 3B Tuesay after discussing a switch from his normal 2B position Monday with manager Don Wakamatsu. Lopez said he expected a possible move after Seattle signed Chone Figgins during the offseason, saying Figgins has better range at 2B while he has the stronger arm for throws from 3B. But Lopez says if he doesn't like playing 3B, he will be back at 2B. Source: Seattle Times.

Detroit manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday that Carlos Guillen will "mostly DH" this season now that Johnny Damon has been signed. Guillen, who entered the league as a SS, was told in October he would be the everyday LF, but that spot has now been given to Damon. Source: Detroit News.

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Tuesday he plans to give Andruw Jones most of the ABs as DH against LHPs. That probably translate into Mark Kotsay getting the majority of ABs against righties. Guillen also said he might DH Omar Vizquel in the leadoff spot against a tough southpaw in order to sit Juan Pierre. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Toronto has unveiled its new playing surface for Rogers Centre, according to a report Tuesday. The new Astro Turf comes in 200-foot rolls versus the old surface, which was installed on 1,400 trays with numerous seams. Several players complained about crazy hops on the old surface. Toronto and Tampa Bay are the only two MLB teams that have artificial turf in their home stadiums. Source: Toronto Star.

The Tigers designated P Casey FIen for assignment Tuesday, making room on the roster for freshly signed OF Johnny Damon. Fien, who was 0-1 with a 7.94 ERA last year for Detroit, must now be traded, waived him or outrighted to Triple-A. Source: Detroit News.

3b Aaron Boone officially announced his retirement Tuesday, and said he will be joining the crew of ESPN's Baseball Tonight this season. Boone had open heart surgery in 2009, but came back for 13 ABs with the Houston Astros in September. Source: Associated Press.

New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel said Friday he would like to bat SS Jose Reyes third in the order, with Angel Pagan or Luis Castillo replacing him in the leadoff slot -- at least while OF Carlos Beltran is still out with injuries. Reyes said he is open to the move, but he assumes he would move back to batting leadoff once Beltran returns. Manuel said, though, that if Reyes does well in the No.3 spot, he would probably move Betran to second, fourth or fifth in the order. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Arizona manager A.J. Hinch named his Opening Day starting pitcher Friday, opting for Dan Haren over Brandon Webb, who had started the last four season openers. Webb is recovering from shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready to go by the start of the season, while Haren had a career best season (4-10, 3.14 ERA) in 2009. Source: Arizona Republic.

Pittsburgh GM Neal Huntington said Friday that the Pirates may start the season with a four-man pitching rotation, allowing them to have 14 position players on the roster to start the year. Pittsburgh has three off-days scattered among its first 14 games, allowing four starters to keep pitching every fifth day. Source: MLB.com.

The Tigers confirmed Friday they have offered a contract to OF Johnny Damon, while Chicago White Sox officials said they have withdrawn their offer. Detroit's offer is reported to be worth $7 million for one year, while Chicago's was for $6 million. Damon would probably play LF and bat leadoff for Detroit. Source: Detroit News.

Kansas City manager Trey Hillman said Friday that with the signings of Scott Podsednik and Rick Ankiel there's no room for Alberto Callaspo, whom the Royals are strugling to find ABs for, in the OF. Callaspo struggled at 2B last year, prompting KC to acquire Chris Getz, and the only other possibilities for Callaspo would be 3B, behind Alex Gordon and Josh Fields, and DH, behind Jose Guillen. Source: Kansas City Star.

P Eric Gagne could possibly return to the scene of his greatest triumphs after agreeing to a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday. Gagne, who pitched in the independent Can-Am league last year, saved 152 games including a record 84 in a row during his impressive 2002-4 stretch with the Dodgers, then was named in the Mitchell report as a user of HGH. Arm trouble appeared in 2005 and 2006. Source: Los Angeles Times.

Cubs P Ted Lilly was back throwing Friday after an MRI the day before revealed no damage to his sore right knee. The exam showed just wear and tear, according to Chicago officials, but Lilly was carefully watched as he threw on flat ground from about 150 feet. The Cubs also want Lilly to de-emphasize running in his conditioning program. Source: Chicago Tribune.

DH/1B Russell Branyan just needs to pass a physical in the next few days to finalize a deal with Cleveland, according to reports Friday. The contract is reportedly worth $2 million, with a mutual option for 2011 worth $5 million. This would be Branyan's fourth stint with Cleveland, the team that originally drafted him. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The arbitration ruling came in favor of C Jeff Mathis Friday, who will make $1.3 million in 2010. The Angels had offered $700,000 to Mathis, who made $450,000 last season. Mathis is considered primarily a defensive C, while sharing time with the more offensive-minded Mike Napoli. Source: MLB.com.

Washington will pay P Sean Burnett $775K this season, according the arbitration ruling revealed Friday. Burnett had been seeking $925K. The reliever split last season between Pittsburgh and Washington. Source: Washington Post.

Washington LHP Ross Detwiler, who was a candidate for a spot in the Nationals' starting rotation, will instead be out 10-12 weeks recovering from hip surgery, his agent confirmed Thursday. Detwiler had surgery Monday to repair a torn hip flexor and will be prevented from throwing for six weeks. Source: Washington Post.

Cincinnati pitching coach Bryan Price hinted Thursday that Cuban P Aroldis Chapman could possibly start the year with the Reds. Price said the team plans to assess Chapman, familiarize him with pro ball in the US, then turn him loose and see how he does in competition. "He could start anywhere... maybe [the right place] is in Cincinnati, maybe it's somewhere else in our system," Price said. Source: Cincinnati Enquirer.

Philadelphia P Cole Hamels said Thursday that unlike the last offseason in which he never picked up a ball, this past winter he "never really stopped throwing." Hamels said he kept up regular long tossing and light workouts and now feels he has much more arm strength at this point in camp. That should allow him to throw more curveballs early, he said, sharpening his control over the pitch. Source: Philadelphia Inquirer.

Chicago Cubs P Ted Lilly was sent to have his right knee examined, manager Lou Piniella said Thursday. Lilly had his left knee scoped last July, but has been experiencing pain in his right knee the last few days. Lilly will likely have an MRI. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Baltimore 2B Brian Roberts has been having lower back pain, Orioles officials said Thursday, but they expect the infielder to be ready to take part when full-squad workouts start next week. There has been speculation that Roberts has kidney stones, but Baltimore exec Andy MacPhail says Roberts told him it was a back spasm. Source: Baltimore Sun.

Pittsburgh GM Neal Huntington said Thursday that reliever Joel Hanrahan is suffering from a flexor pronator strain in his elbow that could keep him out of the bullpen for two weeks to a month. Hanrahan is restricted from doing anything with his upper body until a scheduled MRI exam Tuesday, and is set to visit famed orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Florida next Thursday. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Doctors have advised Mets P Kelvim Escobar to ease up on throwing after the righty experiencing shoulder soreness, his agent said Thursday. Escobar experienced the soreness last month and will concentrate on strengthening the shoulder. Source: New York Daily News.

The Los Angeles Angels and SS Erick Aybar avoided arbitration Thursday by agreeing to a one-year $2.05-million deal. Aybar, who batted .312 with 58 RBI last season, was seeking $2.75 million, while the Angels had offered $1.8 million. The contract carries an additional $100K in performance bonuses in Aybar makes sufficient plate appearances. Source: Associated Press.

Angels P Ervin Santana, who struggled last year after spraining his elbow, said Thursday his arm feels "very, very good" after skipping winter ball. Santana, who opted to spend the winter in strength training and playing catch rather than playing in his native Dominican Republic, said there's "no question" he can return to his 2008 form, when he went 16-7 with a 3.49 ERA. Source: Los Angeles Times.

Kansas City GM Dayton Moore said Thursday that the Royals will keep Cuban defector P Noel Arguelles from throwing off a mound until March 1. Arguelles, who signed a five-year deal with the Royals, landed up throwing for some 18 months without a break while showcasing himself for major-league teams after defecting in July 2008. Source: Kansas City Star.

Arbitrators ruled in favor of the Astros Thursday, so P Wandy Rodriguez will be paid $5 million in 2010 instead of the $7 million he was asking for. Rodriguez earned $2.6 million last year. Source: Houston Chronicle.

Boston P Daisuke Matsuzaka is suffering from a back strain that may force him to miss the start of spring training, it was reported Wednesday. The injury is not expected to keep Dice-K from missing the start of the season. Source: Boston Herald.

Newly acquired P Cliff Lee arrived at the Mariners' camp Wednesday with a bandage on his left foot after unannounced surgery on February 5 to remove a bone spur. Lee was moving around freely and is predicted to be ready to pitch in another nine or 10 days. Surgery of this type usually has a three-week recovery period. Source: Seattle Times.

The results of Atlanta P Jair Jurrjens' MRI were revealed Wednesday, showing no damage, just mild inflammation in his right shoulder. Jurrjens could resume throwing as early as next week. Jurrjens said he's been throwing off a mound since December, so he didn't think the setback would put him much behind the other Atlanta pitchers. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Giants 1B Travis Ishikawa reported to camp Wednesday with two torn ligaments in his left big toe, which stands to be a big setback in the competition with Aubrey Huff for the starting job. Ishikawa called the injury "like extreme turf toe," which he suffered three weeks ago slipping on the stairs at his house. Currently wearing a boot, Ishikawa hopes to face pitching in a week, but if surgery is required, he will be out for three months. Source: San Francisco Chronicle.

San Francisco 2B Freddy Sanchez said Wednesday he thinks he's about a week ahead of schedule in returning from an operation on his left shoulder, but he still won't be ready by Opening Day. The Giants medical staff is to examine him next week, and Sanchez hopes to be taking grounders soon after. Source: San Francisco Chronicle.

NY Mets officials said Wednesday they are "interested" in C Rod Barajas, but are not making a "hard push" as reported by FOXSports. The Mets said they are willing to sign Barajas to a minor-league deal, invite him to camp and let him compete with Omir Santos and Josh Thol for the starting jobs. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

The Nationals prevailed Wednesday in their arbitration case with recently acquired P Brian Bruney. Bruney will make $1.5 miilion instead of the $1.85 million he sought after Washington cited his recent injury history while making their case. Source: Washington Post.

Cubs P Angel Guzman had arthroscopic surgery two weeks ago after he injured his right knee during a workout. The surgery was to repair a torn meniscus, and GM im Hendry said it will put Guzman a couple of weeks behind the rest of the pitchers, but he should be ready by Opening Day. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Ancient veteran LHP Ron Villone signed a minor-league deal with Washington Wednesday with hopes of cracking the Nationals' bullpen. In Villone's 2009 stint with the Nats, he didn't give up a run in his first 20 appearances, but melted by June, posting a 6.4 ERA thereafter. Source: Washington Post.

Washington has agreed to an incentive-laden deal with free-agent P Chien-Ming Wang, according to reports Tuesday. The former Yankees ace reportedly signed a $2-million deal, with incentives totalling an additional $ million as Wang attempts to recover from shoulder surgery. Wang won the most games of any ML pitcher (38) in 2006-7, but injuries and ineffectiveness dropped him to 1-6 in 12 games with a 9.64 ERA in 2009. Source: Washington Post.

Atlanta P Jair Jurrjens is scheduled to go to Atlanta later this week for an MRI after experiencing lingering soreness in his right shoulder, it was reported Tuesday. Jurrjens arrived early at Atlanta's spring training headquarters in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and doctors there think it is most likely a case of tendinitis. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Freshly arrived Yankees OF Curtis Granderson said Tuesday he's agreeable to moving to LF, despite playing most of his career in center. Granderson said he told manager Joe Girardi shortly after being traded from the Tigers that he had no problem switching to left if the Yankees decide to put Brett Gardner in CF. Source: New York Daily News.

Mets SS Jose Reyes hit, fielded and took part in agility drills Tuesday, saying his right hamstring is fully healed and feels good. Reyes expects a return to his form of 2008, after appearing tentative and favoring the leg last year. "I can come back better, a lot better, because the last 14 weeks, I've been working so hard just to get ready for spring training," Reyes said. "Now, I'm ready. Maybe I'm going to be a little better." Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Cleveland has offered a contract to 1B/DH Russell Branyan, it was reported Tueday. Branyan, a 1994 Cleveland draft pick, hit 31 HRs in 2009, but hasn't drawn much interest as a free agent. A deal with Cleveland is dependent on Branyan passing a physical. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Kansas City manager Trey Hillman released an early projected lineup Tuesay:

1. LF Scott Podsednik
2. 2B Chris Getz
3. RF David DeJesus
4. 1B Billy Butler
5. CF Rick Ankiel
6. DH Jose Guillen
7. 3B Alex Gordon
8. SS Yuniesky Betancourt
9. C Jason Kendall

Source: Kansas City Star.

Florida OF Cody Ross won his arbitration case with the Marlins, it was reported Tuesday. Ross will make $4.45 million in 2010, a substantial raise from last year's $2.3 million salary. Florida had offered $4.2 million. Source: Miami Herald.

Detroit P Joel Zumaya said after a bullpen session Tuesday his troublesome shoulder felt great. "I'm feeling great," he said, "the best I have in the last two-and-a-half years. I have nothing bothering me." Zumaya hurt his shoulder in the 2007 offseason, but the Tigers believe his surgery in late summer last year has finally fixed the problem. Source: Detroit News.

Detroit and free agent OF Johnny Damon are having discussions about a contract, it was reported Tuesday. Damon is reportedly seeking a two-year deal, but negotiations have been slow due to the Tigers foot-dragging. Detroit is looking for help at the top of the order after losing Curtis Granderson to the Yankees. Source: Detroit News.

Chicago Cubs C Geovany Soto on Tuesday spurned rumors he was on steroids last year after appearing 40 pounds lighter this spring. Soto said he has struggled with weight issues his whole life, and after having a subpar year in 2009, decided to get serious about training and diet. "To me, it's kind of ridiculous," Soto said. "I wasn't strong. I was just fat." Source: Chicago Tribune.

A slimmer P Eric Gagne threw in a tryout session for the Colorado Rockies Tuesday. Manager Jim Tracy, who managed Gagne during his dominant years with the Dodgers, stood behind the pitcher as he threw. Gagne said his shoulder, which has been problematic for the last four years, feels healthy after training with a martial arts instructor. Source: Denver Post.

Texas has agreed to a minor-league contract with OF Endy Chavez, according to a report Tuesday. Chavez is recovering from offseason knee surgery and is not expected to be ready to play at the start of the season. Chavez tore his knee when he collided with Seattle teammate Yuniesky Betancourt and tore the ACL in his right knee June 19 last year. Chavez batted .273 with 9 SB in 54 games. Source: Dallas Morning News.