Top News:
Tom Verduccci / Sports Illustrated:
Pedroia scratched … Team USA second baseman Dustin Pedroia left the team Saturday to be examined by Red Sox doctors in Fort Myers due to a strained muscle near his rib cage. — The Red Sox second baseman said he hoped to return to the American squad if doctors allow …
RELATED:
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Pedroia injured at WBC — Dustin Pedroia suffered a strained left oblique muscle, though word is the strain was mild, according to a baseball source. Pedroia is expected back in Fort Myers, Fla., tonight — he is coming from Miami, where he is with Team USA for the WBC — where Red Sox team doctors will examine the second baseman.
Adam Rubin / Surfing the Mets:
Redding to start season on DL — Omar Minaya said Tim Redding will start the season on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue. — Redding has a guaranteed contract for $2.25 million, and was headed for the long-relief role. The 31-year-old righthander is experiencing achiness and weakness …
RELATED:
Bart Hubbuch / Mets Blog:Redding has been shut down — PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets …
Discussion:
Mets Fever
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Spring Games 17 and 18: Yankees vs. Astros; Yankees at Pirates — * SEE THE UPDATE AT 10:08 A.M. FOR TICKET INFORMATION * — SPLIT-SQUAD YANKEES vs. ASTROS — Pitching: A.J.Burnett followed by Dan Giese, Brian Bruney, Edwar Ramirez, Christian Garcia. — ASTROS — Matsui DH — Michaels CF
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Jose de Jesus Ortiz / Houston Chronicle:
High noon, Mets claim Nieve — Fernando Nieve's disappointing time with the Astros finally ended today at noon CST, which is when he was claimed off irrevocable waivers by the New York Mets. — It must tell you something about the Mets' pitching staff when they claimed Nieve …
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Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Astros lose Nieve to Mets on waivers — Right-hander was candidate to be Houston's fifth starter — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Fernando Nieve first joined the Astros' organization as a 16-year-old nearly a decade ago, but at no point did he stay healthy enough or pitch well enough to become a mainstay on the Major League level.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:
Lugo: 'I'm worried'; Francona fears torn meniscus — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Julio Lugo has not received the results from the MRI on his right knee, but this morning he spoke in a hushed tone as he explained how his knee was first hurt and expressed his level concern about the injury …
Associated Press:
A's Duchscherer suffers setback in elbow rehab — PHOENIX (AP) — Oakland Athletics starter Justin Duchscherer will miss the start of the season because of a setback in his rehabilitation from an elbow injury. — Duchscherer had to stop playing long toss on Saturday morning because of persistent pain in his right elbow.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Todd Zolecki / The Zo Zone:
Utley Is Back In Action — It looks more and more like Chase Utley will be in the Phillies' lineup Opening Day. — Utley, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, played in a Minor League spring training game today at Robin Roberts Field at the Carpenter Complex.
Discussion:
The Fightins
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Pudge open to playing other positions — Rodriguez says he'd move to first or third if it would help a club — MIAMI — Ivan Rodriguez, one of the greatest defensive catchers of all time, is willing to play other positions. — A free agent who is showcasing himself playing for Puerto Rico …
Discussion:
Florida Marlins, Athletics Nation, Sports Illustrated, MLB Rumors, Mike Silva's …, Fish Bytes and River Avenue Blues
RELATED:
Marc Topkin / The Heater:
For starters, Rays at Reds — UPDATE, 3:42: Rays win 3-1, SS Tim Beckham makes a running, diving catch in shallow leftfield for the final out. — UPDATE, 2:53: Kazmir said everything felt good, and he was happy with his slider, which he threw about 10 times.
Ed Eagle / MLB.com:
Beimel close to choosing offer — Left-handed reliever considering A's, Padres, Dodgers, Rockies — Free-agent reliever Joe Beimel is weighing his options and could soon ink a deal. — Beimel, who spent the past three seasons with the Dodgers, is considering offers from the A's and Padres, according to ESPN.com.
Patrick Saunders / All Things Rockies:
Rox lineup: Hawpe starts in right, Fowler in center — Tucson - As expected, Brad Hawpe will start in right field today against the Mariners. Hawpe, out since Feb. 27 since slicing his left pinky while diving back to the bag, is eager to play again. — “Starting to get a little antsy, but I'm feeling good,” Hawpe said.
Discussion:
Purple Row
