MLB News Blog

Manager Joe Girardi started his potential regular lineup, closer Mariano Rivera worked out of a bases-load jam in his first appearance and the New York Yankees beat a Houston Astros split squad 4-1 on Tuesday night. Nick Johnson hit second, Robinson Cano fifth and Curtis Granderson was in the seventh spot of the Yankees’ batting [...]

Highly regarded Boston Red Sox minor league prospect Ryan Westmoreland has undergone surgery in Arizona to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain. The team made the announcement Tuesday night, saying a five-hour procedure was performed at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix.

Former major league infielder Chuck Knoblauch has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on his common-law wife. According to court records, Knoblauch entered his plea Tuesday in exchange for deferred-adjudication probation. Successful completion of his one-year probation could mean the conviction on the assault of a family member would be expunged from the record.

Former All-Star closer Derrick Turnbow says his chances of making the Florida Marlins are “over” after he left Tuesday’s game with severe shoulder pain. Turnbow said he was sure he would “be shutdown for while.” He exited Florida’s 12-3 victory against the Nationals in the eighth inning.

John Smoltz is embarking on a career as an analyst for Turner Broadcasting and the MLB Network, although he’s not quite ready to say he’s thrown his final major league pitch. “I know the question comes up: Does that mean you retired?” the 42-year-old Smoltz said Tuesday. “Officially no.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Willie Davis was remembered as an electrifying on-field presence and a larger-than-life personality in a memorial service Tuesday at Dodger Stadium. “I like to believe the president saw the news and felt a little sadness,” his daughter, Kim, said in an hour-long service, “as did the mailman, the man [...]

Minnesota star Joe Mauer got two hits in his return from a four-day absence, and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Twins 3-1 Tuesday. Mauer had been out while resting a sore right shoulder. The three-time AL batting champion and reigning MVP is hitting .600 this spring. Twins opening-day starter Scott Baker threw four shutout innings.

The Washington Nationals ended an 0-11 spring skid with their first exhibition win, beating the Florida Marlins 12-3 in a split-squad game Tuesday that featured a grand slam by Willie Harris. Ryan Zimmerman, Kevin Mench and Cristian Guzman also homered for the Nationals. Harris hit his slam in the eighth inning off Taylor Tankersley.

Former San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers has been hired as a special assignment scout by the New York Yankees. Towers was fired by the Padres during the final weekend of the 2009 season after 14 years as their GM. Towers will scout both professional leagues and amateur players, and evaluate the Yankees’ minor [...]

Chicago White Sox outfielder Jared Mitchell will miss the 2010 season after surgery on his left ankle. The team said Tuesday that the 21-year-old prospect is expected to make a complete recovery. Mitchell was injured Friday while making a spectacular, against-the-wall catch on a drive off the bat of Juan Rivera in a split-squad win [...]