Top News:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Strasburg to pitch off mound soon — NEW YORK — Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg was in Washington on Tuesday to see an orthopedist. It was a routine checkup on his right elbow, which was found to be sound. — The next step is to pitch off the mound, and general manager Mike Rizzo said that will happen “any day.”
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Rizzo: Harper ‘not ready to play in big leagues’ — NEW YORK — When he was sent to Minor League camp during Spring Training, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper said he would be in the big leagues by July. However, general manager Mike Rizzo told the local media Wednesday that Harper will not play in the Majors this year.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Ankiel headed to Florida to rehab — NEW YORK — Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman said that outfielder Rick Ankiel went to Viera, Fla., to participate in extended spring training games at the Nationals' Spring Training complex. — Ankiel will be there for a few days and then start …
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Zimmermann is OK with being skipped — NEW YORK — With the rainout on Tuesday, the Nationals decided to skip right-hander Jordan Zimmermann and not let him pitch until Sunday against the Orioles. — Zimmermann is not injured, but he is on an innings limit this season, being scheduled to pitch 150 to 160 innings.
Associated Press:
Peavy Throws Shutout in Season Home Debut — CHICAGO (AP) — Jake Peavy pitched a three-hitter in his home debut this season, outdueling Justin Masterson and making Adam Dunn's sacrifice fly in the first inning stand up to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night.
Discussion:
South Side Sox and Associated Press
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Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
GM Williams mum on plans to alter club — CHICAGO — Following the recent 6-3 West Coast road trip, White Sox general manager Ken Williams seems to have gained a better understanding of his underachieving team. — It's just not quite clear whether Williams will wait to see if things change or if it's time to make a change.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Looming difficult decisions a sign of progress — CHICAGO — Something has to give on the Indians' roster when right-hander Mitch Talbot is ready to come off the disabled list. As far as manager Manny Acta is concerned, it is a sign of progress to have such problems.
Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
Source: Yankees considering Posada options — The New York Yankees will reconsider Jorge Posada's future with the team if his numbers don't improve by the All-Star break, according a baseball official with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking. — On Wednedsay, Yankees manager Joe Girardi left Posada …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, HardballTalk, Bronx Baseball Daily, Pinstripe Alley, NESN.com and River Avenue Blues
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Associated Press:
Niese goes seven strong as Mets beat Nationals in heavy rain — NEW YORK — Jonathon Niese pitched seven sharp innings, some of them in heavy rain, and Justin Turner added to his surprising tear with a two-run double that sent the New York Mets to a 3-0 victory over the light-hitting Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
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Dave Caldwell / New York Times:
For a Change, Mets Overcome Sloppy Weather
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Associated Press:
Byrd Helps Cubs Beat Marlins 7-5 — MIAMI (AP) — Marlon Byrd hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning, and the Chicago Cubs broke a three-game losing streak by beating the Florida Marlins 7-5 on Wednesday night. — Reed Johnson hit his third career pinch-hit home run for the Cubs to make the score 5-all in the sixth.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and boston.stats.com
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Associated Press:
Pirates Beat Reds 5-0, End 6-Game Slide — CINCINNATI (AP) — Charlie Morton shut down Cincinnati's powerful lineup again, throwing a five-hitter for his second career shutout, and Pedro Alvarez hit a three-run homer Wednesday night, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-0 victory that snapped their six-game losing streak.
Discussion:
Red Reporter and Bucs Dugout
Luke Broadwater / Baltimore Sun:
Teixeira: 'I'll always love Baltimore' — Severna Park native on angry fans, charity, O's ‘bright future’ — When Yankee first baseman Mark Teixeira takes the field Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, he's returning home and entering enemy territory.
Associated Press:
Giants fan Stow opens eyes but remains critical — SAN FRANCISCO — A Giants fan brutally beaten on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium is opening his eyes but remains in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital. — Chief neurosurgeon Dr. Geoff Manley said Wednesday that 42-year-old Bryan Stow …
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Jim Armstrong / Denver Post:
Phillies top Rockies 2-1 in battle of NL division leaders — PHILADELPHIA — The Rockies and Phillies had a lot in common going into Wednesday night's game at Citizens Bank Park. — They both were in first place in their divisions, the Rockies in the National League West, the Phillies in the NL East.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Matsuzaka joining Lackey on disabled list — In a span of roughly 24 hours, the Red Sox lost 40 percent of their rotation. — Daisuke Matsuzaka was diagnosed with a sprained ligament in his right elbow yesterday and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list today, joining John Lackey.
Discussion:
The Soxaholix
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