Matsuzaka doesn’t swing, reaches base (AP)The torrential downpour that drowned out Daisuke Matsuzaka’s start came as a surprise. So was his presence on first base when the first drops fell. Matsuzaka led off the top of the third inning Friday with direct orders from Boston manager Terry Francona: Don’t swing. Because the NL team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, was at home, the Red Sox weren’t allowed to use a designated hitter.
Edmonds still unsure about opening day (AP)Jim Edmonds was a bit more optimistic about his chances of getting ready by opening day following another batting practice session Friday. St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said this week that Edmonds and Juan Encarnacion, both coming off surgery, were likely to begin the season on the 15-day disabled list.
Arizona not sure when Johnson will pitch (AP)Randy Johnson is progressing well in his rehabilitation from back surgery, but the Arizona Diamondbacks still aren’t sure when the Big Unit will be ready to pitch in a spring training game. Johnson is scheduled to play catch on Saturday and pitch to hitters again soon after that, manager Bob Melvin said before the Diamondbacks’ game against the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.
Sosa makes Rangers’ 40-man roster (AP)After finding out he’d made the Texas Rangers’ 40-man roster, Sammy Sosa hit a home run that went so far it must have felt like the good old days. The solo shot that almost sailed into the street beyond left field at Tucson Electric Park was just one of 26 hits in a game won by the Arizona Diamondbacks 15-12, but it was part of a big day for the 38-year-old slugger in his comeback after a year…
Prior commitmentMESA, Ariz. – The Chicago Cubs remain patient as 26-year-old Mark Prior tries to regain what was left of a promising career.
