Pudge returns as starting catcher for now  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After missing a handful of games because of calf problems, Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez was back in the lineup against the Mets on Saturday.  —  Rodriguez is going to miss at least two games next week because of personal reasons.

Mets' patience with Perez running out  —  Even Ollie's most ardent supporter is dissatisfied after lefty gives up two homers  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — One day after the New York Mets released second baseman Luis Castillo, left-hander Oliver Perez moved significantly closer to the same fate.

Cardinals release two minor-league pitchers  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals released two righthanded pitchers from their minor-league camp this morning.  —  Houston Summers and Mark Diapoules were cut from their affiliates and are now free to sign with other teams, if pursued.

My Mother's Basement  —  “It won't be long before we get the first wave of nonsense from stat-crazed dunces claiming there's nothing to be learned from a batting average, won-loss record or RBI total.  Listen, just go back to bed, OK?  Strip down to those fourth-day undies, head downstairs …

Nolan Ryan: Neftali Feliz looked “starterish”  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Rangers maintain no decision has been made on how to proceed with RHP Neftali Feliz, who will either be the team's closer or move into the rotation.  —  On Saturday, however, after watching Feliz handle himself …

Tight biceps sends Cueto to early exit  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was again forced to exit a start early because of stiffness in his right biceps muscle.  —  Cueto was slated to work three to four innings and throw 50-60 pitches vs. the Rockies on Saturday, but lasted just one inning.

Spring training 2011: Ozzie Guillen: Jake Peavy on track to start season with White Sox  —  PHOENIX — Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen sees no reason why Jake Peavy wouldn't be able to start the season on the 25-man roster.  —  There was a question as to whether or not Peavy …

A-Rod extends RBI streak to six games  —  TAMPA, Fla.—Alex Rodriguez drove in a run for the sixth consecutive game, rotation candidate Freddy Garcia gave up five runs and five hits over six innings and the New York Yankees tied the Toronto Blue Jays 5-5 in 10 innings Saturday.

Closer Wilson mildly strains left oblique  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Brian Wilson encountered his second nagging ailment of Spring Training as the Giants announced Saturday that their closer had strained his left oblique.  —  Giants manager Bruce Bochy called the injury “mild,” …

Lee Finally Makes Debut, Phillies Beat Orioles 7-5  —  SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles didn't waste any time putting first baseman Derrek Lee in an RBI situation.  —  Lee made his Orioles debut in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, batting third and going for 1 …

Headley hits grand slam for Padres  —  San Diego Padres starting pitcher Aaron Harang pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the second inning of a spring training baseball game in Peoria, Ariz., Saturday, March 19, 2011.  Harang pitches five and a third innings and allowed no runs and only two hits.