In addition to notable developments with regard to Chris Carpenter's neck, Miguel Cabrera's eye and Michael Pineda's shoulder, there's news from the Nats ... Washington left fielder Michael Morse (lat muscle) was able to throw from 60 feet today; however, he'll still open the season on the disabled list, MLB.com's Bill Ladson reports. Morse has been limited to just nine plate appearances this spring and will likely require a minor-league rehab assignment before he's ready to be activated. In all likelihood, he won't be back before the middle of April.
Last season, Morse was the Nats' most productive hitter. He put up a batting line of .303/.360/.550 and ranked in the top 10 in the NL in home runs and doubles. While Washington has legitimate designs on contention this season, they might have trouble scoring runs. That goes double if Morse isn't 100 percent and thus can't replicate his 2011 performance.
Elsewhere in Nats news, closer Drew Storen (elbow) is slated to throw from a mound on Saturday, and right-hander Chien-Ming Wang is ahead of pace in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
More ...
- CBSSports.com Insider Scott Miller reports that Blue Jays right-hander Dustin McGowan (plantar fasciitis) will open the season on the DL.
- Marlins outfielders Giancarlo Stanton (knee) and Logan Morrison (knee) were both back in the lineup on Friday night. Stanton went 0-for-2 with a walk, and Morrison was 1-for-3. Both played the field.
- Rays right-hander Jeff Niemann, who recently won a spot in the rotation, will miss his next scheduled spring start because of a blister. The injury shouldn't affect his status for the regular season. [Tampa Bay Times]
- Jays first baseman Adam Lind (lower back) took BP on Friday and is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday. [MLB.com]
- Cardinals outfielder Allen Craig (knee) will open the season on the DL. He'll be eligible to return on April 10. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
- Brewers right-hander Shaun Marcum (shoulder) worked five scoreless in a minor-league game on Friday. He should be ready for his scheduled regular-season debut on April 9.
- An MRI on the injured thumb of Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie revealed no damage. He's day-to-day, and he could be ready for the opener. [Houston Chronicle]
- Tigers infielder Brandon Inge is listed as day-to-day with a strained groin. He suffered the injury during Friday's game. [MLive]
Rockies lefty Drew Pomeranz (thumb) won't be able to make his first scheduled start of the regular season. For now, he's scheduled to make his 2012 debut on April 15. [Troy Renck via Twitter]- Dodgers lefty Ted Lilly (neck) will open the season on the DL. Chris Capuano will replace him in the rotation. [
Los Angeles Times] Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) has been placed on the DL retroactive to March 26. Starter Ryan Vogelsong will join him, but Vogelsong is still in line to make his first start of the season on April 15. [Andrew Baggerly via Twitter]Orioles backup catcher Taylor Teagarden (back) says he may not be ready to come off the DL when first eligible on April 10. [MASN]- Tigers backup catcher Gerald Laird suffered a left knee sprain in Friday's game. He'll be reevaluated on Saturday, but he doesn't believe it's serious. [MLB.com]
RELATED: Projected lineups, rotations and closers for all 30 teams
