Herrmann out for the year after elbow surgery  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Indians reliever Frank Herrmann had hoped to make a run at the Opening Day bullpen this spring.  Now, the pitcher's chances of making the bullpen next spring are no longer certain.  —  On Wednesday, Herrmann underwent …

USA (with David Wright) to play Dominican Republic (and Robinson Cano) Thursday night  —  MIAMI — The Subway Series won't start for another two months.  In the meantime, pick your superhero.  —  Is it David Wright, the aptly named Captain America of the World Baseball Classic?

Orr's Homer Leads Phillies Over Pirates  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Pete Orr hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.  —  Orr, a veteran utilityman, connected off former Phillies left-hander Mike Zagurski, hitting a long drive to right.

Rangers, “Number Of Teams” Interested In Lohse  —  The Rangers are staying in contact with Kyle Lohse, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports.  Scott Boras, Lohse's agent, didn't confirm Texas' interest but did say that he had heard from several teams about the 34-year-old right-hander.

Phillies pitching coach: Roy Halladay is ‘fine’  —  TAMPA, Fla. - One of Rich Dubee's favorite sayings is, “He's fine.”  —  The Phillies pitching coach will summon it in any situation - good or bad - when pressed about a particular arm.  Dubee has repeated it over and over since Roy Halladay's discouraging Tuesday start.

Houston School of Economics  —  After Years of Torpor, Houston Decides to Rebuild with Gusto  —  Only two players remain from the team's 2011 opening day roster: Bud Norris and Brett Wallace.  —  Kissimmee, Fla.  —  A sign along the main driveway leading into Osceola County Stadium reads …

Albert Pujols back on the bases  —  Los Angeles Angels superstar Albert Pujols is back on the bases.  —  Pujols, who underwent offseason right knee surgery, played in only his fourth Cactus League game Wednesday against the San Diego Padres.  But it represented a landmark of sorts …

Garza resumes throwing, targets April-May return  —  MESA, Ariz. — Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, sidelined with a strained left lat, will resume his throwing program Wednesday, but still was not expected to be ready for the regular season until early May.  —  The right-hander played catch Sunday and Monday, and so far, so good.

Marlins send top prospect Fernandez to Minors camp  —  JUPITER, Fla. — For now, top Marlins prospect Jose Fernandez will remain just that — a prospect.  —  The right-hander, ranked No. 1 in the organization and No. 7 overall in baseball according to MLB.com's 2013 Prospect Watch …

Manuel wants to manage Phillies beyond 2013  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Charlie Manuel says he has no plans to retire after this season and wants to continue managing the Philadelphia Phillies.  —  Manuel, the franchise's all-time leader in wins, is entering the final season of his contract …

Motte, Mujica test secondary pitches  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.  • For two of the Cardinals' late-inning relievers who shortened games for the club last fall, spring training offers innings they often …