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 …

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.

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?

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 …

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 …

Profar creating delightful dilemma  —  SURPRISE, ARIZ.  —  So, does Jurickson Profar look ready for the major leagues?  —  Ian Kinsler smiled.  —  “I could be honest with you, and it would probably make headlines,” Kinsler said.  “That's not really something I'm looking for, to make headlines.

Medlen Knocked Out of Game by Liner in Braves' Win  —  JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Kris Medlen pitched 4 2-3 scoreless innings, then left the Atlanta Braves' 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night when he was hit by a line drive for the second time.  —  Rob Brantly lined …

Dodgers hope plasma injection benefits Greinke  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Zack Greinke has a sore elbow and Chad Billingsley doesn't, neither of which the Dodgers really expected this spring.  —  What they have in common is that Billingsley's partially torn elbow ligament responded last year …

Royals send ex-No. 1 pick Hochevar to bullpen  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals are sending former No. 1 overall draft pick Luke Hochevar to the bullpen after more than five seasons of shaky results in the starting rotation.  —  Manager Ned Yost announced the decision Wednesday.

Cubs' Starlin Castro Returns From Hamstring Injury  —  MESA, Ariz. (AP) — After two weeks out with a hamstring injury, Starlin Castro was happy to be back on the field.  —  Even if it was only for three innings.  —  Sidelined since Feb. 27, the All-Star got a single and walked Wednesday …