Here are some of the stories making news on Thursday morning:
- Hampered by soreness in his surgically repaired shoulder, Diamondbacks’ co-ace Brandon Webb is eying a late-April return. According to Webb’s surgeon, everything is moving right on schedule.
- Mike Gonzalez, one of Baltimore’s key offseason additions, referred to the lower back stiffness that caused him to exit Saturday’s game as “no big deal.” He’s scheduled to pitch one inning against the Phillies on Friday. As for his noticeable drop in velocity, the left-hander reiterated he has no concerns.
- Daisuke Matsuzaka threw his first batting-practice session Wednesday, tossing 50 pitches to three batters. According to reports, he was able to locate all of his pitches for strikes, but he still has work to do. With six starters vying for five rotation spots, Boston is in no rush to get Matsuzaka back.
- Cincinnati hurler Aroldis Chapman is looking more and more likely to grab the Reds’ fifth rotation spot after a striking out five Brewers in three innings of work. The only blemish was a leadoff shot to Rickie Weeks, but Chapman settled in after that, throwing 45 pitches for 29 strikes (64%) and topping out at 98 MPH.
- The Rockies closer gig is up for grabs as Huston Street is likely to start the season on the DL. Speaking of the injury, Street said, “We’re pushing the envelope with our bodies, and sometimes you have little flare-ups.” He doesn’t expect to be out long, and Franklin Morales and Manny Corpas will battle for save chances during Street’s absense.
- Four days after minor left-knee surgery, Lance Berkman says he aims to be ready for Opening Day.
- The Brewers’ Mat Gamel is healing slowly after injuring his shoulder in a March 8 game against Seattle. It looks like it’s going to cost the slugger a spot on the Opening Day roster.
- After two rough starts, New York’s Joba Chamberlain is working extra hard to prove he belongs in the rotation. Wednesday’s outing was encouraging.
- The last time Justin Duchscherer was on the mound for Oakland, the right-hander was putting the finishing touches on his impressive 2008 season. That year he finished with a 2.54 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 141.2 IP. After elbow surgery and depression issues, the Dukes will make his first Spring Training start against the Mariners on Monday.
- While it’s only spring, Barry Zito is picking up where he left off.
- No surprise here. After throwing at the head of Chris Snyder, Cliff Lee has been suspended to start 2010 and will miss one start.
- In lesser Mariners news, Yusmeiro Petit has been released.
- With less than three weeks until the start of the season, the Rays’ fifth rotation spot is still undecided. Wade Davis replaced Andy Sonnanstine at the end of 2009, but Sonnanstine has been equally impressive this spring.
- Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston still hasn’t decided who will take the ball in the ninth inning. Jason Frasor, Scott Downs, and Kevin Gregg are still fighting it out.
- In a surprise move, Elijah Dukes was released by the Nationals Wednesday. Justin Maxwell has the first shot at Dukes’ job.
