Report: Padres-Dodgers trade delayed following Kemp’s physical
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1:08 pm ET) The Padres are mulling whether or not to finalize the trade for Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp after his physical revealed severe arthritis in both hips, a person familiar with the diagnosis told USA Today. The source spoke to USA Today on the condition of anonymity.

The Padres and Dodgers agreed to a trade last week that would send Kemp, catcher Tim Federowicz and $32 million to San Diego for catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitching prospects Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin.

However, after Kemp’s physical Tuesday, Padres’ physicians are now discussing whether the arthritis would impact his career.

If the Padres choose to void the trade, then it would impact the Dodgers’ trade with the Phillies for shortstop Jimmy Rollins since the deal included Eflin.

While the USA Today report has surfaced, Kemp’s agent — Junior Spivey — told FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal, “Everything is OK. We’re just waiting on the final details. Should be good to go.” Although, Spivey added he has not heard from the Padres since Kemp took his physical Tuesday.

Showalter: Machado appears more likely for O’s opener than Wieters
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:38 am ET) Orioles manager Buck Showalter conveyed third baseman Manny Machado has a better chance of being ready for the Orioles season opener than catcher Matt Wieters, according to CSNBaltimore.com. 

Machado had right knee surgery in August and Wieters underwent Tommy John surgery in June.

“With both of these guys, it will be when and not if. I think if you held a gun up to my head, I think Manny makes the start of the year, and I think Matt is very close thereafter, but we won’t put either one of these guys on the field until it’s time to go, and try to keep the finish line in mind,” Showalter said.

Report: Rockies considering Kendrick as back-of-the-rotation arm
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:28 am ET) The Rockies are looking at free agent Kyle Kendrick as a potential back-of-the-rotation arm, according to ESPN. Kendrick is 1-1 with a 5.26 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in seven career outings (six starts) at Coors Field.

Rangers’ Daniels: Ryan Rua ‘in a good position’ to make roster
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8:57 am ET) Ryan Rua received his first stint in the majors late last season and made such a strong impression in such a short period of time that the Rangers are looking to him to potentially be the starting left fielder in 2015, per MLB.com.

“He’s in a spot where he if continues progressing at the rate he has, then I would expect that he’s in a good position to make our club and get at-bats,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “It’s not going to be handed to him, but he has a strong chance to earn that spot.”

The 24-year-old Rua hit .295 with two home runs, seven doubles and 14 RBI in 28 games with the Rangers in 2014. He had a .285/.365/.489/.854 slash line in 382 minor-league games before his promotion to the majors.

“He’s not a guy that was off the radar screen and only produced for a month,” Daniels said. “He’s always hit from Day 1, and is an extremely hard worker that I think is going to have a good big league career.”

Hart: Braves expecting Markakis to be ‘full go’ in spring training
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8:29 am ET) Braves outfielder Nick Markakis underwent fusion surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck Wednesday, per MLB.com. The team expects Markakis to resume baseball activities before the start of spring training. 

“We talked to (Dr.) Steve Wray after the surgery and he said it really went well,” Braves president of baseball operations John Hart said. “He said [the procedure] really went well, and he thinks that this guy will be ready to go full go in spring training. The only thing is that there will be a little bit of a disruption for his normal routine getting ready for spring training.”

Markakis is expected to be cleared for physical activities within the next month, and the hope is he will be fully cleared within six weeks. Markakis agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the Braves in early December.

Three teams showing interest in Norichika Aoki
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/17/2014) The Orioles, Reds and Mariners are among the teams looking at outfielder Norichika Aoki, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

The 32-year-old Aoki hit .285/.349/.360 over 491 at-bats last year. With the Royals signing Alex Rios earlier in the week, Aoki will likely have to move on with a different club. 

Report: Athletics release Jorge De Leon
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/17/2014) The Athletics have released pitcher Jorge De Leon, according to SB Nation.

De Leon was designated for assignment by the club last week, and the team couldn’t find a way to deal him. De Leon appeared in eight games last season, posting a 4.91 ERA over 7 1/3 innings. 

Report: Padres’ Seth Smith popping up in trade talks
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/17/2014) Padres outfielder Seth Smith has come up in trade talks recently, according to ESPN.

If the Matt Kemp and Wil Myers trades go through, the team would have a surplus in the outfield. On top of those two players, San Diego would also have Carlos Quentin, Will Venable, Cameron Maybin and Smith. The 32-year-old Smith hit .266/.367/.440 over 443 at-bats last year. 

D-Backs, David Hernandez avoid arbitration
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/17/2014) The Diamondbacks have reached an agreement with David Hernandez on a contract, according to the azcentral.com.

Hernandez was eligible for arbitration, but settled on a $2 million salary figure for next season. The 29-year-old posted a missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Report: Three teams showing interest in Jake Peavy
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/17/2014) The Marlins, Braves and Giants are showing interest in pitcher Jake Peavy, according to FoxSports.com.

The 33-year-old Peavy is coming off a season in which he posted a 3.73 ERA over 202 2/3 innings. Peavy had some issues in Boston, posting a 4.72 ERA to start the season, but settled in once he joined the Giants. With San Francisco, Peavy had a 2.17 ERA over 78 2/3 innings. The Marlins interest in Peavy is dependent on whether Dan Haren decides to pitch. If Haren comes back, the team would not have interest in Peavy.