Spring Training News & Notes, 3/26: Catching Up With Everyone

Marlins: Josh Johnson was scratched with a stomach virus...Bryan Peterson is the CONDOR...Clay Hensley has little opposition now for the fifth-starter job...Leo Nunez is working to stop tipping his pitches...The Marlins might look outside the organization to fill their last bullpen spot.

Mets: Uber-prospect Jenrry Mejia is not guaranteed a spot in the bullpen, despite earlier indications to the contrary...Nelson Figueroa might get to stay on the Mets as a long-man out of the bullpen. If he doesn’t make the team, the veteran starter will likely refuse minor league assignment go to Japan, where he is likely to earn a much higher salary.

Blue Jays: The Jays saw two losses on Friday in split-squad action. One was a last-inning loss to the Red Sox and the other was a 14-10 shootout loss to the Rays. Shaun Marcum gave up nine runs in five innings of work against the Rays. ... Lyle Overbay is day-to-day with a left knee contusion.

Orioles: In an interesting move, the Orioles have swapped the roles of the Stockstill brothers: David, who was the director of player development, is now the director of international scouting. John, who was the director of international scouting, is now the director of player development. ... The O’s sent nine players to minor league camp Friday.

Royals: Kyle Davies is to serve as the team’s fifth starter at the start of the year. Kyle Farnsworth is #6...the Royals are projected to be the third-most improved team in the field this season.

Indians: The team is narrowing down its candidates for the 4th and 5th rotation slots, but nothing is yet set in stone. Mitch Talbot, however, certainly appears to be a near-lock, meaning the last spot would come down to one of Carlos Carrasco, Aaron Laffey, and David Huff. Carrasco has thus far looked the most impressive.

Diamondbacks Justin Upton was kept out of the Arizona line-up on Thursday, the after-effects of a slight sprain suffered on Wednesday on an infield hit. He’s hopeful of being back in the line-up on Friday: “I’m day-to-day and we’ll see how it feels. I felt good running through the stuff we had to do. It’s getting better and I hope it gets better every day.”

Dodgers Catcher Russell Martin, making his way back from a groin injury, caught four innings in a minor-league game against the Texas Rangers in surprise. Said manager Joe Torre, “He looked very normal to me. I didn’t see any hesitation in anything he tried. We have to wait until we see how he feels tomorrow.” However, if there are no further setbacks, he should be able to make the Opening Day lineup for LA against the Pirates on April 5.

Mariners: Felix Hernandez threw five solid innings in a split-squad game Thursday, although he says he felt a little “strong” with his sinker moving all over the place. Nice problem...Rule 5 pick Kanekoa Texeira tossed 3.1 shutout innings on Thursday, solidifying his grasp on a spot in the bullpen...Shawn Kelley tossed 2.2 effective innings Thursday as well as the de facto starter, showing a good changeup...Mike Sweeney appears to have won a roster spot, through which he would serve as part of a DH platoon. Ryan Garko would then be sent to AAA Tacoma...Don Wakamatsu is comfortable with Casey Kotchman serving as the everyday first baseman and Milton Bradley serving as the everyday left fielder...catchers Eliezer Alfonzo and Guillermo Quiroz have been sent to minor league camp, leaving Josh Bard as the only remaining competition. If Rob Johnson feels good on Friday in the second of back-to-back games, he and Adam Moore will take the two spots. Bard is insurance...Cliff Lee’s next throwing session, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been pushed back to Wednesday as he continues to experience abdominal discomfort. He may miss all of April...Jason Vargas and Doug Fister are intended to be the 4th and 5th starters while Lee is out.

Angels: Slow day.