Spring Training News & Notes, 3/12: Catching Up With Everyone

Diamondbacks Steve Gibert reports that the club let free-agent pitcher Kris Benson work out on Friday morning, in a simulated game at their minor-league complex. GM Josh Byrnes said the session had nothing to do with the question-mark over Brandon Webb – though I’m not sure I entirely believe that. Said Byrnes, “Every club is always wanting to ensure pitching depth. It’s an evaluation worth doing. We’ll see how we proceed.”

Giants Pitching prospect Madison Bumgarner is experiencing a drop in velocity: in his outing on Thursday, his fastball was 85 mph in the second inning. Said Bruce Bochy, “I’m not sure if he got tired. He started winging away. He’d worked hard out there. You’ll see these guys get stretched out and get their stamina.” Given he’s slated as the #5 starter, Grant is concerned: “I’m trying to think of a happy ending to the Bumgarner-lost-his-velocity story, but I really can’t.”

Mariners: Chone Figgins, who is 0-9 so far in the spring, has drawn seven walks and has a .438 OBP...Ian Snell threw well on Thursday and was “giddy” with his performance...prospect Adam Moore continues to draw raves for his performance, hitting well to all fields while playing tremendous defense...Moore will catch Felix Hernandez on Sunday, as Rob Johnson, who was originally scheduled to catch that game, has been pushed back...Jack Hannahan will be shut down for 7-10 days with a strained groin.

Athletics: Star reliever Michael Wuertz, who has been throwing side sessions to build up his arm strength, plans to make his spring debut next Wednesday...Justin Duchscherer should throw about two innings to live hitters today for the first time as he returns from a bad back...Jason Jennings tossed two scoreless innings as he improves his odds of breaking camp with the team...Dallas Braden drew a walk in Thursday’s game despite being instructed not to swing the bat.

Astros: Lance Berkman’s bruised left knee is “puffy,” according to GM Ed Wade, and he’s scheduled to get it examined by team doctors Friday. Berkman doesn’t believe the injury is serious and has played in five games since missing the Grapefruit League opener, but he’s had to have fluid drained out of it twice this week and continues to deal with swelling.

Brewers: Ryan Braun was scratched from the travel roster for the team’s split-squad game against the Reds Thursday, but stayed home and hit a home run while playing in the home game against the A’s. Manager Ken Macha said he kept Braun home so he’d have more immediate access to treatment after the game.

Follow along with this stream as we check out what’s going on in every camp for every team in baseball. Updates will be provided on a division-by-division basis.