Cardinals: Yadier Molina had to leave Wednesday’s Grapefruit League game early with an oblique strain, but told Derrick Goold he felt better Thursday morning and still expects to be ready for Opening Day. He’ll need a couple of days to recover, and isn’t sure when he’ll be able to swing a bat again. In the meantime, Jason LaRue will take over as the #1 catcher and Matt Pagnozzi, who had already been optioned to the minors, is expected to return to big league camp to serve as his backup.
Around NL Central Spring Training, 3/25: Molina Hoping To Be Ready For Opening Day
Pirates: Rule 5 selection John Raynor is one step closer to making the team, as Neal Huntington told reporters Wednesday morning that he’s passed Brandon Moss on the depth chart after Moss started off the spring 2-for-29 at the plate. Raynor, selected from the Marlins organization, is hitting .313/.333/.563 this spring, and hit .257/.327/.360 for New Orleans (AAA) last season.
Cubs: He’s hitting .440 with six extra base hits in 50 Abs this spring, and by all accounts Tyler Colvin has made the team, if the Cubs can find a place to play him. Lou Piniella told Carrie Muskat “we don’t want this young man to make this team and just sit.” Piniella is hoping to find Colvin a few starts a week to keep him getting consistent at bats.
Astros: Casey Daigle made a strong case for the #5 spot in the rotation Wednesday, pitching four innings in a spot start and allowing just one run on three hits. Daigle last pitched in the majors in 2006 for the Diamondbacks, but posted a 2.91 ERA in 49 relief appearances at Round Rock (AAA) last season…Booing at spring training games is typically discouraged, but Astro fans were given good reason Wednesday: Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from Jersey Shore threw out the game’s first pitch.
Reds: Homer Bailey took a step in the right direction in his efforts to live up to his potential Wednesday, retiring 13 of 14 batters (including ten straight) in one stretch as he allowed one earned run in five innings of work, throwing 75 pitches…Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman remains out indefinitely with his back issues, but Dusty Baker isn’t ruling him out for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Brewers: The team enjoyed their only spring training off day Wednesday, and manager Ken Macha is expected to announce his first four starting pitchers Thursday. Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf and Doug Davis are locks for the top three spots, but four candidates remain for the fourth spot. Adam McCalvy has a look at the competition.
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