Around AL East Spring Training, 3/23: Hank Blalock Could Make Rays Roster

Blue Jays: Pitcher Brandon Morrow is taking it easy and not trying to push through soreness in his shoulder. Morrow realized he’d rather miss a week during a spring training than pushing through it and missing time during the regular season. ... Bluebird Banter previews the defending World Series champions, the Yankees.

Orioles: Mike Bordick is back with the Orioles and it’s as a minor league offensive coordinator. Bordick left the O’s back in 1997 as a free agent when Miguel Tejada took his spot at shortstop. Bordick’s role will revolve around fundamentals at each level of the minors. ... Jeremy Guthrie allowed two runs in five innings in a start on Tuesday.

Rays: Hank Blalock is making a strong case for himself to land on the Rays’ Opening Day roster. ... Carlos Pena is satisfied with his current play despite starting the spring 0 for 21. ... DRaysBay takes a look at Grant Balfour and his tendency to give up the longball.

Red Sox: The Red Sox sent four players down to the minors on Tuesday, including pitching prospect Michael Bowden. ... Dustin Pedroia left Tuesday’s game after diving for a ball in the first inning. His wrist is reportedly sprained and is listed as day-to-day. ... Clay Buchholz and Nick Swisher are in a sweet ESPN commercial. It’s funny, kind of.

Yankees: Chad Gaudin was placed on waivers on Tuesday. Gaudin allowed 11 runs in 11.1 innings of work this spring training. ... Pinstripe Alley is trying to figure out the back-end of the rotation and who figures into the bullpen. What say you?