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Strop to act as Cubs' closer down the stretch

Pedro Strop will serve as the Cubs' closer for the remainder of the 2013 regular season.

Kevin Gregg will operate in a setup role. "It’s going to be an opportunity [for Strop]," manager Dale Sveum said Thursday. "We want to see what he does in that role. Kevin [Gregg] has been one of the better closers in all of baseball. God knows where we’d be without him."

Source: MLBlogs.com

Thu, Sep 19, 2013 01:13:00 PM

Brad Hand fans six as Marlins no-hit Yankees

Brad Hand racked up six strikeouts in five perfect innings on Saturday as four Marlins hurlers combined to no-hit the Yankees in Panama.

Steve Cishek worked the sixth inning, and walked one, but kept the no-hit bid intact. A.J. Ramos continued the effort through the seventh and eighth innings, and Arquimedes Caminero closed it out with a perfect ninth. The 23-year-old Hand has compiled a 0.75 ERA and 15/2 K/BB ratio through 13 innings this spring, which could springboard him to a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

Mar 16 - 12:13 AM

Jose Iglesias to miss at least four months

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports that Jose Iglesias (shins) will miss at least four months, and perhaps the entirety of the 2014 season.

It's a very tough break for the Tigers, as the defensive wizard adds considerable value to the team's pitching staff. The Tigers are now reportedly interested in signing free agent Stephen Drew to fill the void, but they could also talk to the Mariners about Nick Franklin, or let in-house option Hernan Perez get a crack at regular playing time.

Source: ESPN.com

Mar 15 - 9:57 PM

Rizzo homers twice, drives in three vs. Mets

Anthony Rizzo went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI against the Mets on Saturday.

Rizzo broke through for his first two bombs of Cactus League play, giving him six RBI on the spring. The first baseman is batting .417 and should have a good year after a disappointing 2013 season.

Mar 15 - 7:49 PM

Shields fans 10 over six innings against Cubs

James Shields allowed one hit while striking out 10 over six innings against the Cubs Saturday.

Shields has now allowed one run over 14 2/3 innings this spring. The right-hander is in line for a big season in his walk year, and he should be one of the most highly sought-after free agent pitchers on the free agent market next winter. For now, he’ll be the Royals’ ace for another season.

Mar 15 - 7:17 PM

Corbin dealing with left forearm stiffness

Patrick Corbin left Saturday's game against the Indians due to left forearm stiffness, Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said.

"Rest assured, we will be cautious," Gibson said after the game. Gibson said Corbin felt the stiffness below the elbow, prompting him to leave the game mid-at-bat. Corbin returned to Salt River Field to be checked out by team trainers after leaving. Corbin's availability for the opening start against the Dodgers in Australia is in question.

Source: Jack Magruder on Twitter

Mar 15 - 7:09 PM

Bowden: Iglesias (shins) to miss most of 2014

A source close to Jose Iglesias tells Jim Bowden of ESPN and Sirius XM that Iglesias will miss "most of 2014" due to a shin injury.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus acknowledged Saturday that Iglesias might have to start the season on the disabled list, but this is the first indication that the injury may be more serious than the team is letting on. Bowden goes on to say that the injury might prompt the team to pursue free agent Stephen Drew. Iglesias is slated to be the Tigers' starting shortstop this year and for years to come. Stay tuned.

Source: Jim Bowden on Twitter

Mar 15 - 6:06 PM

Beckham sidelined by left oblique strain

Gordon Beckham won't do any baseball activity for seven days after sustaining a strained left oblique.

It's a blow to Beckham, who's probably on his last chance with the White Sox. The injury also hurts the team, as they're also missing Jeff Keppinger at the keystone. Even if healthy, the 27-year-old isn't a player to target outside of deep AL-only leagues.

Source: Scot Gregor on Twitter

Mar 15 - 4:51 PM

Carl Crawford will miss series in Australia

Carl Crawford will miss the team's opening series against the Diamondbacks in Australia due to the pending birth of his child.

Crawford's girlfriend is expected to give birth in the coming week, and it's an event that Crawford didn't want to risk missing. With Crawford and Matt Kemp both missing, the Dodgers will have to get creative with their outfield for the first pair of games.

Source: Ken Gurnick on Twitter

Mar 15 - 1:46 PM

Stephen Drew could be an option for Tigers

According to Peter Gammons, Stephen Drew could be an option for the Tigers.

With Jose Iglesias potentially starting the year on the disabled list, the Tigers could be forced to begin the season with Hernan Perez at shortstop. They have had a good working relationship with Scott Boras in the past, and could be a nice landing spot for Drew to potentially rebuild his value on a one-year deal.

Source: Peter Gammons on Twitter

Mar 15 - 12:40 PM

A.J. Griffin shut down for next three weeks

A.J. Griffin has been shut down for the next three weeks due to flexor tendinitis in his elbow.

On the plus side, an MRI revealed no structural damage. Griffin was already expected to begin the season on the disabled list, but now that's an absolute certainty. The 26-year-old shouldn't be counted on to rejoin the rotation until late-April at the earliest. Take extreme caution if considering him in fantasy drafts.

Source: Susan Slusser on Twitter

Mar 15 - 12:28 PM

Homer Bailey scratched with mild groin strain

Homer Bailey was scratched from his scheduled start against the Brewers on Saturday due to a mild groin strain.

Reds manager Bryan Price said that it was purely a precautionary measure. The 27-year-old hurler has posted a 4.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 7/2 K/BB ratio through his first nine innings of Cactus League play. He's expected to be fine for the start of the regular season.

Source: John Fay on Twitter

Mar 15 - 11:47 AM