Elijah Dukes released (updated)  —  The Nationals this morning granted outfielder Elijah Dukes, a player brimming with potential yet haunted by a controversial past he had seemingly moved beyond, his unconditional release.  —  “Everyone in Elijah's camp is surprised,” said Dukes's attorney, Grady Irvin.

Rangers manager failed 2009 test for cocaine … Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season, SI.com has learned.  —  Washington, 57, has been subject to increased drug testing since his failed test, which was administered by Major League Baseball last July …

Mariners pitcher Lee disciplined  —  Pitcher Cliff Lee of the Seattle Mariners has received a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing a pitch in the head area of Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder during the third inning of Seattle's Spring Training game on Monday …

Martinez, an Understudy, Is Playing Like a Star  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Mets put an entire story line on the team bus on Wednesday, sending all three contenders for the starting center-field job on the three-hour trip here to face the Boston Red Sox.  —  Call it a road show …

Street likely to start season on DL  —  Rockies closer undergoes MRI on ailing right shoulder  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Rockies closer Huston Street underwent an MRI exam on his ailing right shoulder on Wednesday, and he is likely to begin the regular season on the disabled list.

The shortstops: Nomar, Jeter, A-Rod were long on talent  —  Not so long ago virtually any discussion of the best shortstops in baseball included Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra.  —  The late 1990s were arguably the golden era of American League shortstops …

Saunders relieved to see better results  —  Right-hander bounces back with four solid innings' work  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — After pitching most of last season with stiffness in his throwing shoulder, Angels left-hander Joe Saunders couldn't be happier to be healthy this spring.

Smoltz sets the odds on him pitching again: 50-1  —  So I phoned John Smoltz — now professional broadcaster and media leech — Wednesday and still couldn't get him to utter the “r” word.  Don't know why.  When a guy tells you that his “desire” to pitch “is not where it was three months ago,” it seems to me the decision has been made.

Even better than the results  —  Damaso Marte is fine.  After being drilled by a Ryan Howard line drive, he has a bruise on his lower back but was already going through exercises within a few innings of leaving the game.  Joe Girardi said he's not sure Marte will make his next scheduled appearance …

Tallet shuts down Orioles  —  Jays starter allows a single run in four innings in 4-1 win  —  Left-hander Brian Tallet allowed one hit over four innings, a leadoff single by Cesar Izturis in the first, and retired the last 12 batters he faced to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

Bradley cloud may have a Silva lining  —  MESA, Ariz. — Maybe if the Seattle Mariners could have done a little more for Carlos Silva's mom the last two years, they would have gotten more for their money.  —  Instead, that Silva-for-Milton Bradley deal might start looking even better …