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| Aybar will ride the pine | Sunday 3/30, 11:54 PM CT |
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| Erick Aybar will ride the pine at the start of the season, according to MLB.com. Aybar was the favorite to man shortstop this season, but he has given way to Maicer Izturis, who brings more speed to the position. |
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| Izturis will start opener at SS | Sunday 3/30, 11:40 PM CT |
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| Maicer Izturis will be the opening day starter at shortstop, according to MLB.com. Erick Aybar was the early favorite for the starting gig, but Izturis beat him out and he stated, "Stealing bases is part of my game. I hope to do a lot of that this year. I like hitting ninth. It's a good spot." It is confirmed that he will bat ninth in the order.
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| Rauch blows save, but ends with win | Sunday 3/30, 10:38 PM CT |
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| Jon Rauch blew a save opportunity against Atlanta on Sunday, but ended the night with a win. He entered the game in the ninth, but he couldn't close it out, as Martin Prado scored on a passed ball by Paul Lo Duca. The game ended on an exciting home run by Ryan Zimmerman in a 3-2 final.
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| Johnson proves he belongs at 1B | Sunday 3/30, 10:34 PM CT |
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| Nick Johnson has beaten out Dmitri Young as the starting first baseman, and proved he was the right choice as he went 1-for-3 (double) with an RBI in the Nationals' 3-2 win over the Braves in the season opener on Sunday night. Johnson should continue to improve this season. |
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| Milledge goes 0-for-4 | Sunday 3/30, 10:29 PM CT |
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| Lastings Milledge has his new season off to a dismal start as he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout against Atlanta on Sunday night. He notably had a problem with strikeouts through spring training and hopefully he can bounce back and make better contact. |
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| Zimmerman blasts game winning homer | Sunday 3/30, 10:26 PM CT |
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| Ryan Zimmerman blasted a game-winning home run in Washington's 3-2 win over Atlanta in the season opener on Sunday night. He went 1-for-4 overall and the rising star has the new season off to an exciting start. |
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| Perez pitches well in no decision | Sunday 3/30, 10:21 PM CT |
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| Odalis Perez pitched well in a no decision against the Braves on Sunday night as he only allowed one run on four hits over five innings, with one walk and two strikeouts, with most of the damage coming on a Chipper Jones solo homer. That was a strong first outing for the Nationals' number one pitcher. |
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| Escobar goes 0-for-3 | Sunday 3/30, 10:16 PM CT |
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| Yunel Escobar failed to open his new campaign with a bang as he went 0-for-3 in Atlanta's 3-2 loss to Washington on Sunday night. He hit .326 over 319 at-bats last season, and is a sleeper candidate for 2008. |
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| Cordero misses save opportunity | Sunday 3/30, 10:13 PM CT |
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| Chad Cordero was unable to come in for a save opportunity Sunday night after experiencing tightness while warming up in the bullpen. Setup man Jon Rauch picked up a blown save when a run scored on a passed ball, but he ended up with the win after Ryan Zimmerman's walk-off homer. At this point Cordero owners shouldn't be too worried, but they might want to pick up Rauch as insurance just in case. |
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| Chipper chips in first homer in loss | Sunday 3/30, 10:12 PM CT |
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| Chipper Jones hit a solo home run in the Braves' season opening loss to Washington on Sunday, 3-2. He hit 29 homers in 2007, and is off to a good start in that department. |
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| Moylan dealt first loss of new season | Sunday 3/30, 10:09 PM CT |
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| Peter Moylan was dealt his first loss of the new season as he gave up a game winning home run against Nationals' rising star Ryan Zimmerman in the ninth inning. The game ended 3-2. Moylan struck out two batters over 1.1 innings, but his one hit allowed was a back-breaker. |
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| Hudson pitches well in no decision | Sunday 3/30, 10:05 PM CT |
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| Tim Hudson pitched well in a no decision against Washington on Sunday night in the season opener, as he only allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings, with no walks and three strikeouts. He pitched well enough to win and it is too bad that the Braves couldn't provide adequate run support. His season is off to a good start overall. |
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| Kata back with Pirates | Sunday 3/30, 9:00 PM CT |
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| The team has reacquired OF Matt Kata, according to the Post Gazette. He has been reacquired from the Colorado Rockies for "considerations". He has not been added to the 40-man roster however.
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| Wright makes Astros | Sunday 3/30, 8:55 PM CT |
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| Wesley Wright has made the Astros' opening day roster, according to the Houston Chronicle. The lefty earned the spot by going 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA in 11 relief appearances during spring training. |
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| Loretta will be opening day 2B | Sunday 3/30, 8:52 PM CT |
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| Mark Loretta will be the opening day starter at second base, according to the Houston Chronicle. He will start while Kaz Matsui heals from his ailment on the DL. Geoff Blum has been slowed by a heel injury as well. |
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| Cruz Jr. makes Astros | Sunday 3/30, 8:47 PM CT |
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| Jose Cruz Jr made the Astros' opening day roster, according to the Houston Chronicle. Cruz earned his spot as he hit .364 with a team-leading 11 doubles and 20 RBIs over spring training. He stated, "It's definitely new life. I've got the guy that probably knows me the best and has been correcting me and improving me my whole life in my father. We've been working really hard together." Cruz was notably a non-roster invitee and it is nice to see him land a bench job with the team.
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| Vizquel placed on 15-day DL | Sunday 3/30, 8:18 PM CT |
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| Omar Vizquel has been placed on the 15-day DL as he recovers from knee surgery, according to SlamSports. He continues to make progress, but will be replaced by Brian Bocock on opening day. |
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| Beckett to pitch intrasquad game Tues. | Sunday 3/30, 8:08 PM CT |
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| Josh Beckett is scheduled to pitch an intrasquad game on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Beckett will pitch in an intrasquad game on Tuesday morning as he builds his pitch count up to be activated. He continues to do well, and is hopeful he can return on April 6.
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| Stairs will be game-time decision | Sunday 3/30, 7:09 PM CT |
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| Matt Stairs will be a game-time decision in Monday's season opener due to his hip ailment, according to MLB.com. Stairs will platoon with Shannon Stewart in LF this season. |
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| Kuroda throws four hitless Sunday | Sunday 3/30, 7:04 PM CT |
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| Hiroki Kuroda threw four hitless innings against Boston in the spring training finale on Sunday, with one walk and six strikeouts. Kuroda's fantasy stock is on the rise heading into opening day. |
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| Loney has tough day at plate | Sunday 3/30, 6:58 PM CT |
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| James Loney had a tough day at the plate in the spring training finale against Boston on Sunday as he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, while leaving three men on base. The Dodgers' starting first baseman ended spring training with a .258 batting average and hopefully he can bounce back in the team's season opener. |
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| Ethier strong is spring closer | Sunday 3/30, 6:54 PM CT |
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| Andre Ethier was solid in the final game of spring training as he went 2-for-3 with two RBI, pushing his total to 18. He also showed patience at the plate as he drew two walks, and this is why he beat out Juan Pierre for the starting gig in LF. |
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| Buchholz slips to 1-3 | Sunday 3/30, 6:51 PM CT |
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| Clay Buchholz had another rough outing against the Dodgers on Sunday as he allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits over three innings of work, with three walks and five strikeouts. He ended spring training with a 1-3 record and a dismal 10.03 ERA. |
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| Youkilis has tough day at plate | Sunday 3/30, 6:47 PM CT |
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| Kevin Youkilis had a tough day at the plate against the Dodgers on Sunday as he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. He ended spring training with a .279 batting average and should bounce back fine. |
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| Montero will open season on DL | Sunday 3/30, 6:41 PM CT |
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| Miguel Montero will open the season on the 15-day DL, according to the Miami Herald. The D-Backs' top reserve at catcher is nursing a fractured right index finger. |
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| Tracy to open season on DL | Sunday 3/30, 6:38 PM CT |
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| Chad Tracy is going to open the season on the 15-day DL, according to the Miami Herald. Tracy is coming off surgery on his right knee and will be replaced by Mark Reynolds at 3B.
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| Pierre will ride pine | Sunday 3/30, 6:29 PM CT |
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| Juan Pierre is going to ride the pine on opening day, according to InsideLocal.com. Andre Ethier has won the starting job in LF and Joe Torre stated, "Pierre is disappointed. You don't want a guy sitting on your bench who just accepts being on the bench. JP will be a regular bench player, pinch hitting, etc. Before it's all said and done, we're going to get contributions from a lot of people." Pierre will obviously plummet down draft boards with today's news, but could regain his job at some point if Ethier struggles. |
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| Ho Park reassigned, among others | Sunday 3/30, 6:23 PM CT |
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| Chan Ho Park has been reassigned, according to InsideLocal.com. He seemingly had a grip on a bottom of the rotation spot, but it wasn't the case evidenced by today's move. Among the other prospects reassigned were Brian Falkenborg, Mike Koplove, Greg Jones,Rene Rivera, Danny Ardoin and Rene Rivera. |
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| Kershaw reassigned | Sunday 3/30, 6:17 PM CT |
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| Prized prospect Clayton Kershaw has been reassigned, according to InsideLocal.com. Kershaw has a bright future ahead of him with the Dodgers, but will have to wait for now. |
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| Murton on Rays' radar | Sunday 3/30, 5:53 PM CT |
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| Matt Murton could be on the Rays' radar, according to DraysBay.com. The Rays are reportedly in the market for a switch-hitting outfielder, and Murton is believed to be the best currently available, as he is not expected to make the Cubs roster. The Padres are also believed to be pursuing Murton.
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| Sanchez rocked for six runs | Sunday 3/30, 5:44 PM CT |
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| Jonathan Sanchez was not able to end spring training on a high note as he got rocked for six runs on six hits over 2.2 innings of work against the Giants on Sunday, with most of the damage coming on a three-run homer by Mike Sweeney. He is slated as a starter in the Giants' rotation but the team must be concerned right now as he ended spring training with a 7.23 ERA. |
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| Sweeney blasts three run homer | Sunday 3/30, 5:40 PM CT |
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| Mike Sweeney blasted a three run homer in Oakland's final game of spring training against the Giants on Sunday. He ended with 13 RBI and a .302 average. |
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| Crosby ends spring on high note | Sunday 3/30, 5:35 PM CT |
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| Bobby Crosby ended spring training on a high note as he went 1-for-3 with a solo home run against the Giants on Sunday. He only batted .245 but collected four homers and 10 RBI. |
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| Eveland ends spring unbeaten | Sunday 3/30, 5:32 PM CT |
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| Dana Eveland has ended spring training at 3-0 as he gunned the Giants in a 7-2 win on Sunday. He allowed two runs on three hits over six innings of work, with one walk and three strikeouts. He also ended with a 1.29 spring ERA and is seemingly primed for a solid campaign. |
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| Lopez makes Tigers | Sunday 3/30, 5:26 PM CT |
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| Aquilino Lopez has made the Tigers' opening day roster, according to Detroit News. He can thank injuries to pitchers Zumaya and Rodney for him making the team. |
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| Rodney placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 5:23 PM CT |
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| Fernando Rodney has been placed on the 15-day DL, according to Detroit News. He is battling a right shoulder injury and the team is in need of relievers as Zumaya has also been placed on the DL. |
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| Zumaya placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 5:20 PM CT |
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| Joel Zumaya has been placed on the 15-day DL, according to the Detroit News. Zumaya is recovering from shoulder surgery, and is expected to be sidelined until midseason.
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| LaRoche headed to DL | Sunday 3/30, 5:00 PM CT |
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| Andy LaRoche is expected to be placed on the 15-day DL at the start of the season, according to MLB.com. He stated that he will have pins removed from his thumb on Tuesday, three weeks after surgery to fix a torn ligament in his right thumb. Blake DeWitt is expected to open the season at third base, as Garciaparra is headed to the DL additionally.
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| Nomar is DL-bound | Sunday 3/30, 4:52 PM CT |
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| Nomar Garciaparra is suffering from a microfracture in his right hand, and is expected to open the season on the 15-day DL, according to MLB.com. Blake DeWitt is expected to be the starter at third base at the beginning of the season. |
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| Schmidt goes on disabled list | Sunday 3/30, 4:46 PM CT |
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| Jason Schmidt is headed to the 15-day DL, according to MLB.com. Schmidt had major shoulder surgery last June, and said he's been progressing steadily since an early Spring setback. He sporadically throws off a mound, but is months away from pitching competitively.
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| Drew status for Tuesday uncertain | Sunday 3/30, 4:40 PM CT |
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| J.D. Drew continues to battle his back tightness and the team is unsure if he can play on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Manager Francona stated, "I definitely think he feels better. It puts me in a little bit of a bind. Again, I'm not pointing a finger. It makes it harder for me to make a judgment on, 'OK, first of all, is he ready to play? Is he ready to play and help us win?' We'll just continue to monitor. That's why I played Ellsbury in right so we can have kind of backup plan there." If Drew is unable to play, then Coco Crisp would start in center field, and Jacoby Ellsbury would man right field. |
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| Jeter not expected to miss opening day | Sunday 3/30, 4:22 PM CT |
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| Derek Jeter is not expected to miss opening day, according to MLB.com. Jeter took a ball off his right hand during infield practice on Saturday. He went through a workout on Sunday, taking ground balls on the Yankee Stadium field. He said that he was ready to play in Monday's season opener, and is good with no problems.
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| Hernandez wins O's SS job | Sunday 3/30, 3:47 PM CT |
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| The Baltimore Sun reports that Luis Hernandez will be the opening day shortstop. Overall, the O's lineup has no surprises and it appears Brian Roberts will stay in Baltimore this season, at least till the trade deadline approaches in July. |
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| Cruz designated for assignment | Sunday 3/30, 3:41 PM CT |
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| Rangers designated OF Nelson Cruz for assignment on Sunday. The talented outfielder never found his stroke this spring and hit only .235 in 307 at-bats in 2007. It's more than likely that a team will take a chance on Cruz and his days in Texas are finished. |
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| McCarthy placed on 60-day DL | Sunday 3/30, 3:34 PM CT |
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The injury bug continues to bite Brandon McCarthy, who the Rangers placed on the 60-day disabled list Sunday, retroactive to March 21. The right-hander isn't expected to be available until sometime in May or June. And even then he has zero fantasy value in traditional formats.
Our View: |
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| Bowie sticks with Roks | Sunday 3/30, 3:16 PM CT |
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| Micah Bowie was signed to a major league contract on Sunday and will begin the season in the Rockies bullpen, according to the Sports Network.
Bowie finished 4-3 with a 4.55 earned run average in 30 games with Washington last season. |
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| Ethier wins Dodgers LF job | Sunday 3/30, 3:10 PM CT |
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| Dodgers skipper Joe Torre announced that Juan Pierre will not be his starting left fielder, but his regular bench player, this according to Inside SoCal. Andre Ethier will receive the start in left and will have pressure to produce with this decision. While it was a good decision on Torre's part, the position loses some value as long as Pierre is in the left field mix. |
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| Grudz hitting second for KC | Sunday 3/30, 3:01 PM CT |
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| Mark Grudzielanek will start at second base on Monday and hit second in the lineup, this according to the Kansas City Star. The Royals veteran second baseman has been nursing a sore back. |
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| Bale closes out spring work | Sunday 3/30, 2:55 PM CT |
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| John Bale closed a strong spring by holding a collection of minor leaguers to one run and two hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out seven, this according to the Kansas City Star.
Plans call for Bale to start Friday night at Minnesota. He stayed in Arizona when the rest of the club broke camp Thursday afternoon in order to stay on his regular pitching schedule.
Bale is scheduled to rejoin the club in time for the opener. |
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| Gonzalez assigned to minors | Sunday 3/30, 2:47 PM CT |
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| The Indians reassigned infielder Andy Gonzalez to minor league camp, this according to the Sports Network. Gonzalez played in 67 games in 2007 but his lines offer zero fantasy value. |
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| Choo placed on the disabled list | Sunday 3/30, 2:43 PM CT |
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| Shin-Soo Choo was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, as he recovers from "Tommy John" surgery on his left arm last September. Sports Network reported that Choo, 25, is a .260 hitter in 65 games over three seasons with the Mariners and Indians. |
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| Hirsh sent to the disabled list | Sunday 3/30, 2:40 PM CT |
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| The Rockies shut down Jason Hirsh this past week and today placed the right-hander on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21. Hirsh suffered a set back to his right shoulder. There is no timetable for his return at this point. |
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| Marshall sent to the farm | Sunday 3/30, 2:37 PM CT |
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| As expected, the Cubs optioned Sean Marshall to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday. The young left-hander will be back even though the Cubs look to have depth in the starting rotation.
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| Frandsen officially placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 2:31 PM CT |
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| Kevin Frandsen was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, on Sunday. Frandsen struggled early on this spring, and thereafter he suffered torn left Achilles' tendon.
Frandsen will not play again this season. |
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| Lowry placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 2:28 PM CT |
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| Noah Lowry, who is recovering from surgery on his left forearm, was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21. Lowry's timetable for a return is roughly 4-6 weeks. |
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| Monroe or Kubel at DH? | Sunday 3/30, 2:25 PM CT |
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| According to the Star Tribune, skipper Ron Gardenhire did not say whether Craig Monroe or Jason Kubel would be his designated hitter for Monday’s season opener. Gardenhire said he wanted to look at the numbers again before making a final decision. |
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| Slowey felling better | Sunday 3/30, 2:18 PM CT |
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| Kevin Slowey said he felt better, one day after pitching with flu symptoms against the Pirates, according to the Star Tribune. The report notes that the Twins rotation to will include: Livan Hernandez, Boof Bonser, Nick Blackburn, Slowey and Scott Baker. |
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| Baker goes six strong | Sunday 3/30, 2:15 PM CT |
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| Scott Baker threw six strong innings for Class AAA Rochester in Fort Myers on Sunday, this according to the Star Tribune. The Twins right-hander allowed one run on five hits, with no walks and three strikeouts. He threw 71 pitches. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Baker will start Friday against Kansas City. |
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| Hudson placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 2:12 PM CT |
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| Luke Hudson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, retroactive to March 21. Hudson is rehabbing from shoulder surgery and is expected to start a minor league assignment in the next week or two.
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| Gibbons cut loose by O's | Sunday 3/30, 2:04 PM CT |
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| Jay Gibbons was released on Sunday, this according to the Sports Network.
Gibbons was limited to 84 games last season due to injury. He hit .230 with six home runs and 28 RBI before undergoing season-ending surgery on his left shoulder in August. |
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| Owens placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 2:01 PM CT |
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| Jerry Owens, who has been nursing a tear in his right adductor muscle, was place on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 24. Owens will give way to Alexei Ramirez, who will start in center field opening day. Owens is expected to miss at least two weeks. |
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| Swisher to start in left | Sunday 3/30, 1:55 PM CT |
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| White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen listed the lineup for the game against Indians' on Monday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Guillen has decided to start Alexei Ramirez in center field. Swisher will receive playing time at first base, and designated hitter as the year progresses. |
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| McGowan has the stuff | Sunday 3/30, 1:50 PM CT |
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| The Toronto Sun reports that Dustin McGowan has the best pure "stuff" on this pitching staff, and with any confidence he will become a dominating presence in the league. McGowan isn't a secret among fantasy owners in the know, but he is still a mid-round steal if in fact he finds his strut this season. |
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| Romero impresses this spring | Sunday 3/30, 1:44 PM CT |
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| According to the Arizona Daily Star, Alex Romero is the surprise of the 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks. With Eric Byrnes , Chris Young and Justin Upton entrenched in the outfield, and Jeff Salazar set as a backup, Romero appeared to be a long shot to make the club entering spring training. D-backs hitting coach Rick Schu said the youngster was impressive and was an easy choice to stick when making the decision to assign Trot Nixon. |
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| Crede's ankle improving | Sunday 3/30, 1:38 PM CT |
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| Following up an earlier report on Joe Crede , and his ankle injury, it appears that the White Sox third baseman will have a chance to open at third base on Monday. According to the Chicago Tribune, Crede played four innings in the field on Saturday and is expected to be available. Whether he starts or not won't be known until lineups are due. |
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| Clark sticks with Mets | Sunday 3/30, 1:32 PM CT |
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| The Mets selected the contract of outfielder Brady Clark and added him to the 25-man roster, reports MLB.com. Clark will should get some playing time against lefties, but he's not an option in anything but the deepest of fantasy leagues. |
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| Casanova makes cut | Sunday 3/30, 1:29 PM CT |
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| The Mets selected the contract of catcher Raul Casanova and added him to the 25-man roster, this according to MLB.com .Casanova has very little fantasy value. |
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| Inge watch is on | Sunday 3/30, 1:15 PM CT |
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| The Brandon Inge watch will begin on Monday as the catcher, turned third baseman turned center fielder will take center stage when the Tigers open the regular season. Injured center fielder Curtis Granderson will miss another two-weeks minimum. |
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| Crede questionable for opener | Sunday 3/30, 12:55 PM CT |
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| Manager Ozzie Guillen told MLB.com that he believes third baseman Joe Crede will play opening day, even after missing Friday's game with an ankle injury. The x-rays came back negative, but Crede told the team website he was unsure of his Monday status. Despite Ozzie's optimism, expect Pablo Ozuna to be the opening day third baseman Monday. |
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| Varitek struggling | Sunday 3/30, 12:44 PM CT |
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| Jason Varitek continues to get drafted before his true value. The veteran catcher will enter the regular season with declining numbers across the board. As well, the left-handed hitter struck out in 9 of his last 11 spring at-bats. There are too many options outside of Varitek that offer fantasy owners more upside. At some point managers need to put the catcher's reputation on hold. |
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| Roberts to remain in Baltimore | Sunday 3/30, 12:33 PM CT |
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| Brian Roberts told RotoTimes sources that he is still unsure about his status in Baltimore, but the second baseman claims that if he is with the team on opening day, which it appears he will be, he is unlikely to be moved. A move to almost any of the other 29 teams would have increased Roberts fantasy value. |
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| Schumaker earns starting role | Sunday 3/30, 12:30 PM CT |
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| Skip Schumaker has reportedly earned the starting right-field role in the Cardinals lineup, this according to RotoTimes sources. The left-handed hitter is also expected to leadoff. The 28-year-old beat out Brian Barton and Ryan Ludwick for the starting gig. The speedy Schumaker now offers NL-only owners value moving forward if he can remain the everyday outfielder and leadoff hitter. |
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| Hatteberg to start opening day | Sunday 3/30, 12:24 PM CT |
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| As expected, Dusty Baker told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he has an opening day lineup, but it hasn't been posted yet. The report notes that Scott Hatteberg will start at first but that the veteran will share at-bats with rookie Joey Votto.
"(The starting first baseman) is whoever's playing that day. Votto has a great upside," Baker said. "But Hatteberg had a great spring. We'll go with matchups. (The seven spot) is an important spot in the lineup. Adam Dunn had an OK spring. Edwin (Encarnacion) struggled."
The platoon situations at first base, and in center field, make two positions fantasy owners would have preferred to be solely owned, especially in the All American bandbox. |
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| Tigers Guillen belting ball | Sunday 3/30, 12:14 PM CT |
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| Carlos Guillen kept his terrific spring going on Saturday, hitting his seventh home run of the month in a 9-4 loss to Houston. These are huge numbers from the converted shortstop. Guillen had a career-best 21 homers in 2007, and while it's difficult to imagine the 32-year old is just now finding his peak power stroke, the Tiger had a over-the-top spring. |
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| Kazmir's bullpen session good | Sunday 3/30, 12:10 PM CT |
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| Scott Kazmir told the Tampa Tribune that he felt "really good" Sunday after throwing off the mound for the first time in more than two weeks.
Kazmir, who is rehabbing from a left elbow strain suffered Feb. 26, threw about 35 pitches (all fastballs), switching from the windup to the stretch at the Naimoli Complex. The left-hander reported no pain, with "everything feeling free and easy."
The plan for Kazmir is to throw a couple bullpen sessions, at least one live batting practice and then take two or three extended simulated games before a minor league start. The team would like to have their ace left-hander back before the end of April. |
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| Pelfrey wins No. 5 role | Sunday 3/30, 12:06 PM CT |
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| The Mets have announced that young right-hander Mike Pelfrey will be their fifth starter, this according to the New York Post. Orlando Hernandez is expected to begin the season on the disabled list and build up his arm strength in the minors.
Pelfrey will make his first start this Saturday in Atlanta. |
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| Johnson to start for Nats | Sunday 3/30, 11:08 AM CT |
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| Nick Johnson has been named the Nationals starting first baseman, this according to ESPN's Baseball Tonight. The oft-injured veteran won out over Dmitri Young by default. Young participated in very little spring work. |
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| Carlyle sent to minors | Sunday 3/30, 11:05 AM CT |
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With pitcher Buddy Carlyle's demotion to Triple-A Richmond, Jeff Bennett will get a chance in the Braves bullpen. Bennett will serve as the team's long reliever and will also be used as an all important spot starter. This is important considering the age and injury issues that consume the Braves starting rotation. |
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| Maine closes spring in fashion | Sunday 3/30, 10:39 AM CT |
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| John Maine had another spectacular outing on Saturday, shutting out the White Sox over four innings in a 3-2 win. The right-hander sent his ERA to a basement level, 1.53. Maine is expected to face the Florida Marlins and young starter Andrew Miller on Wednesday. A terrific battle of two very good young right arms. |
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| Westbrook has stellar spring | Sunday 3/30, 10:28 AM CT |
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| Jake Westbrook tossed another four scoreless innings on Saturday, allowing two hits in a 5-4 loss to Atlanta. Westbrook has yet to give up a run in 18 spring innings. Over that span, he has allowed only seven hits in total, while striking out 20. |
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| Owings could begin season on farm | Sunday 3/30, 9:50 AM CT |
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| Micah Owings continues to show modest signs of life for the D'Backs this spring. The right-hander allowed three runs in five innings of work on Saturday. The hard-hitting pitcher allowed nine hits, and struck out but two, and he's expected to begin the season on the farm so he can get the ball every fifth day. |
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| Santana improves to 3-0 | Sunday 3/30, 9:46 AM CT |
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| Ervin Santana is pitching well at just the right time. On Saturday, the hard-throwing right-hander shut down the Padres for five innings and finished his spring work with a record of 3-0. He recorded a modest 4.26 ERA -- and will start the season in the Angels rotation due to injuries to John Lackey and Kelvin Escobar. |
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| Owens placed on 60-day DL | Sunday 3/30, 9:42 AM CT |
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| Henry Owens was transfered from the 15 to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday. Owens, who underwent rotator cuff surgery, was initially an important part of the Fish bullpen at this time a year ago. He is expected to return by the All Star break.
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| Johson moved from 15 to 60 day DL | Sunday 3/30, 9:39 AM CT |
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| Josh Johnson was transfered from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday. The right-hander, who underwent Tommy John surgery last August, and isn't expected to pitch this year. |
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| Rabelo begins season on DL | Sunday 3/30, 9:37 AM CT |
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| The Marlins placed Mike Rabelo on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, on Saturday. The Marlins catcher is nursing a sprained left knee and is expected to miss Week 1 of the MLB schedule. Matt Treanor is slated to open the season as the starting backstop. |
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| Kline surprised by assignment | Sunday 3/30, 9:34 AM CT |
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The Giants designated specialist Steve Kline for assignment on Saturday, this according to the San Francisco Chronicle. While Kline didn't sport spring numbers deserving of a role in the Giants pen he was surprised by the move. "Shocked," Kline told the paper. "What else can you be? Hopefully I can sign up with another team and play my a- off somewhere else and try to bring something good for another team." It's likely Kline will find a role with an organization for a veteran left-hander out of the pen. |
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| Shields place on DL; sent to minors | Sunday 3/30, 9:29 AM CT |
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| The Angels placed Scot Shields on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, on Saturday. Shields, who is suffering from forearm soreness, will receive work on the farm and remain there until he gets healthy enough to fill his setup role the Angels. |
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| Nippert replaced Littleton | Sunday 3/30, 9:18 AM CT |
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| The Texas Rangers optioned Wes Littleton to Triple-A Oklahoma on Saturday. The right-hander was likely replaced due to the acquisition of Dustin Nippert. |
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| Ortmeier loses out to Aurilia | Sunday 3/30, 9:08 AM CT |
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| Giants skipper Bruce Bochy told Dan Ortmeier on Friday that he will not start at first base in Monday's season opener in Los Angeles, this according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Bochy told the paper that Rich Aurilia will play first base, with newcomer Jose Castillo starting at third. After being considered by many as the starter at first base heading into the regular season, Ortmeier will simply make the team, we believe, and he'll receive at bats behind Aurilia. |
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| Velez steals 16th spring base | Sunday 3/30, 9:03 AM CT |
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| Eugenio Velez, who has earned a spot on the Giants 25-man roster, stole his 15th and 16th bases of the spring on Saturday. This is quite a feat for any spring player. The shortstop offers some upside in NL-only leagues with this kind of stolen base potential. |
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| Escobar heads to the DL | Sunday 3/30, 8:45 AM CT |
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| The Angels placed Kelvim Escobar on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, on Saturday.
Escobar is out indefinitely and told the LA Times earlier in the week there is a chance he will need season ending surgery for a tear in his right shoulder. His fantasy status has plummeted and the right-hander should be ignored outside of deep leagues with deep reserve rosters. |
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| Lackey placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 8:39 AM CT |
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| The Angels placed John Lackey on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, but still the right-hander isn't expected back until early May at best. Jered Weaver will open the season on Monday as the teams opening day starter. |
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| Ross placed on DL | Sunday 3/30, 8:37 AM CT |
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| The Reds placed catcher David Ross on the 15-day disabled list Saturday. Ross is suffering from lower back spasms and missed the majority of spring work. Ross will see some Triple-A at-bats before returning to the starting lineup. Expect Paul Bako and Javier Valentin to share time in Ross' absence. |
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| El Duque could hit DL | Sunday 3/30, 8:34 AM CT |
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| The New York Daily News reported on Sunday morning that the Mets are expected to place Orlando Hernandez on the 15-day DL to begin the season. There has been no official announcement but we will have work by mid-afternoon concerning the Mets starting rotation and more. Stay Tuned.
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| Jackson suffering from flu | Sunday 3/30, 8:30 AM CT |
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| After blasting his third home run of the spring, Conor Jackson was scratched from the lineup Saturday night with flu-like symptoms, according to the East Valley Tribune.
The Diamondbacks sent Conor home and told him to be ready for opening day. |
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| Fish outfielder injures ankle | Sunday 3/30, 7:15 AM CT |
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| According to FishStripes.com, in the final inning of the final spring game, Alejandro De Aza suffered an ankle injury.
The outfielder was down on the field for several minutes and had to be assisted off the field on a cart. The Marlins doct | |
