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.

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 …

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

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 …

Raissman: Kaat returns to booth but gets YES rejection  —  The MLB Network is looking to open the new Yankee Stadium in style, unleashing a formidable trio of voices who have never shared the same broadcast booth.  —  When the Bombers crack the regular-season seal on the new joint …

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.

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 …

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.

Gift Ngoepe could be South Africa's bequest to baseball  —  Remember the name even if you can't pronounce it  —  Gift Ngoepe.  —  Remember the name, even if you can't pronounce it.  —  Ngoepe (pronounced en-WEE-pay) has a chance to become a true baseball trailblazer — the first African to climb to the big leagues.

Bud Selig says he's concerned about the economy  —  Commissioner acknowledges he wonders how the downturn will affect baseball and says his office has advised teams to prepare.  —  Reporting from Mesa, Ariz. — With opening day approaching and the economic crisis deepening …

Woman Says Bernie Williams Hit Her  —  MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The former Yankee Bernie Williams has been accused of striking a woman who was trying to take his picture in a nightclub in Puerto Rico.  The woman, Jeanie Carrion, filed a complaint against him with the Puerto Rican police.