Team USA's Kevin Youkilis has mild sprain, tendinitis  —  MIAMI — When it seemed as though the injury news could not get any worse for Team USA, manager Davey Johnson announced on Wednesday that Kevin Youkilis has left the team because of a sore left ankle.

Aaron Boone of Houston Astros to undergo open heart surgery for valve replacement  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Aaron Boone of the Houston Astros says he will have open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve.  —  Boone made the announcement Wednesday, saying he has known about his heart condition since college …

Sox release Josh Bard  —  Josh Bard's second stint with the Red Sox was even briefer than his first.  —  The Red Sox announced this morning that they have placed the 30-year old catcher on unconditional release waivers.  General manager Theo Epstein indicated that Bard's departure means …

Pirates send Gorzelanny to Minors  —  Former staff ace optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates announced two cuts from big league camp early on Wednesday morning, then three more after the game against the Twins, and one comes as a bit of a surprise.

New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui won't play in field until at least June  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Hideki Matsui won't play in the outfield for the New York Yankees until at least interleague road games in June and will be restricted to designated hitter and pinch-hitting appearances until then.

Astros take call about trade (w/more notes)  —  • Photos from Boone news conference and Astros-Yankees game  —  Not long after Aaron Boone announced he would leave the team to have open-heart surgery, Astros general manager Ed Wade received a call from another team informing him they had a third baseman available.

Nats Release Hill, Sign Beimel To One-Year, $2 Million Deal  —  The Nationals today released starting pitcher Shawn Hill and signed free agent left-handed relief pitcher Joe Beimel to a one-year, $2.0 million deal.  Both moves can be attributed to uncertainty.

JOBA IS PLAN B FOR CLOSE CALL  —  TAMPA - If Mariano Rivera's health falters and he is unable to close, the likelihood is Joba Chamberlain would be switched into the role, multiple Yankees officials told The Post.  —  Rivera took a convincing step toward demonstrating full health …

New York Yankees to open their doors for their Bronx neighbors on Thursday, April 2  —  Thousands of fans will get special preview of the new Yankee Stadium  —  The New York Yankees will welcome thousands of their fellow Bronx neighbors for a special preview of the new Yankee Stadium on Thursday, April 2nd at 11 AM.

Say goodnight, Freddy  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — We haven't spoken to Jerry Manuel yet, but it's probably safe to say Freddy Garcia won't be long for the Mets' camp.  The veteran right-hander's already slim odds of winning the No. 5 starter job appeared to fly out the window here today with his disaster …

A-Rod magazine photos make teammates wonder  —  In the latest issue of Details, Alex Rodriguez appears to kiss himself in a photo shoot for the magazine.  (Details Magazine)  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Even when Alex Rodriguez is in Colorado recovering from hip surgery, he manages to grab headlines.

60 seconds with Marlins pitcher Logan Kensing  —  Do you have a duck fetish?  —  I have no fetish with ducks.  My mom always said that ducks in some cultures are considered really good luck.  So once a month I get a new one (from her) - rubber duck, stuffed duck, a duck.  —  Every month?