Around AL East Spring Training, 3/25: Matsuzaka Makes First Spring Appearance

Blue Jays: Mike McCoy and Edwin Encarnacion returned from injuries Thursday to play the Tigers. McCoy went 0 for 2 with a walk and a steal while Encarnacion went 1 for 2 with a walk and a strikeout. ... So what’s going on with Lyle Overbay? Reports were that he would be a platoon player, but Cito Gaston said Overbay will be playing every day.

Orioles: Brad Bergesen said he had his best outing of the spring on Thursday. He worked 5.2 innings and allowed just three hits, two walks and struck out two. ... Michael Gonzalez and Nolan Reimold both showed they are healthy and ready for Opening Day.

Rays: David Price was sharp in his outing Thursday, working six innings and allowing just three runs. He allowed seven hits, a walk and struck out five. ... Willy Aybar may miss the start of the season, giving Hank Blalock a chance to make the Opening Day roster. Blalock would give the Rays versatility as he can play at both corner infield positions.

Red Sox: Daisuke Matsuzaka saw his first action of the spring on Thursday. Dice-K allowed one run in two innings of relief work. He is scheduled to pitch three innings on Monday. ... Speaking of Dice-K, should he be in the Red Sox’s rotation to start the season? He’ll have stiff competition from Clay Buchholz and Tim Wakefield who will battle for the Nos. 4 and 5 spots.

Yankees: The Yankees finally decided on their fifth starter, giving the nod to Phil Hughes. Hughes beat out Joba Chamberlain, who is expected to setup closer Mariano Rivera. ... Ramiro Pena will most likely find a bench spot to start the season for the Yankees.