The New York Yankees have a lot to consider as Opening Day approaches.
The health of shortstop Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera may be their top concerns, but they are also close to signing outielder Vernon Wells.
They expect to begin the season with Jeter on the disabled list. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that he hopes Jeter will be able to return by April 6 against Detroit, the fifth game of the season. Cashman wants Jeter to be healthy enough to play shortstop full time. Jeter has experienced stiffness in his ankle.
Rivera pitched one inning on Sunday, two days after undergoing tests to determine the cause of recent headaches.
On Friday, baseball’s all-time saves leader had a CAT-scan and blood tests after complaining about headaches for about two weeks.
Finally, the Yankees are close to making a deal with the Angels to acquire Wells, according to multiple reports.
There were strong indications that the Angels would pay a majority of Wells’ $42 million salary the next two seasons.
—Cincinnati Reds third-base coach Mark Berry announced to the team that he has cancer on his tonsil and two lymph nodes.
Berry, 50, said doctors told him the cancer has not spread. He will remain with the team in Arizona in spring training before undergoing more tests in Cincinnati. But he hopes to stay with the team during treatment when the regular season begins.
—The San Diego Padres gave right-hander Freddy Garcia his release, according to an MLB.com report.
Garcia signed a minor-league contract in January with the intention that he would compete for a spot on the Padres’ rotation. But the 36-year-old veteran was disappointing in spring training, posting a 8.71 ERA in 20 2/3 innings in Cactus League games.
—Veteran pitcher Jon Garland signed a Major League contract with the Colorado Rockies, CBSSports.com reported.
The deal includes a $500,000 base salary and more than $2 million worth of performance-based bonuses.
Garland, 33, has not pitched in the majors since 2011 because he underwent shoulder surgery.
—-Shortstop Ronny Cedeno, who was released by the St. Louis Cardinals last week, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Astros.
The Astros told Tyler Greene, who had been battling for the shortstop job, that he no longer was in the team’s plans and that they would try to trade him, according mlb.com
—The Los Angeles Dodgers released right-handed pitcher Mark Lowe, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Lowe allowed five runs (including four earned runs) in 8.2 innings in the spring.
—New York Mets prospect Matt den Dekker broke his right wrist during a spring training game against Detroit.
—Chicago Cubs pitcher Scott Baker was diagnosed with a muscle strain in the right elbow, the Chicago Tribune reported. It’s the same elbow that was repaired with Tommy John surgery.
He hopes to ready to return by late July.
—The Philadelphia Phillies have released Yuniesky Betancourt, CSNPhilly.com reported.
—The Seattle Mariners have signed veteran outfielder Endy Chavez, CBSSports.com reported. He was released by the Royals on Friday.