Report: Dodgers interested in pitcher Joba Chamberlain
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(9:48 am ET) With the Dodgers looking to add a relief pitcher, the team has turned its attention to pitcher Joba Chamberlain, sources told Fox Sports.

While Chamberlain is their main focus, they are also considering other options. In 2014, Chamberlain went 2-5 with a 3.57 ERA over 63 innings. 

Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano: ‘I wanted to stay here’
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12:40 am ET) Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano is glad to be back in Pittsburgh, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

Liriano expressed a desire to remain with the club, though he also admitted the Pirates offered him the best deal this offseason. “I got a better deal here than the other teams,” he said. “It just feels like home here.”

Liriano said both the Royals and Astros, among other teams, offered him three-year deals, but he opted to return to the Pirates. Part of the reason for that was because Liriano has a strong relationship with pitching coach Ray Searage. 

As for this season, Liriano is just hoping to stay healthy. A groin injury and strained oblique set him back at the beginning of last year, limiting his numbers in the first half. Liriano managed to improve in the second half, posting a 2.20 ERA. “I’m trying to find a way to stay healthy,” he said. “That’s my goal right now, just stay healthy.”

The 31-year-old posted a 3.38 ERA over 162 1/3 innings last year. 

Astros’ Alex White ready to contribute this season
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) Astros pitcher Alex White is hoping he can help the club this season, according to the Houston Chronicle. 

White underwent Tommy John surgery in March of 2013, and admitted it took a bit longer for him to get back on track. “It was up and down,” White said. “At first relieving went really well, and then you know it just kind of, it’s one of those things where people say it’s going to be up and down coming back that quick (from surgery) and it really was.”

This offseason, White was able to undergo his usual routine. “I feel like I’m back to just being a regular baseball player. Here to try to win a job. It’s exciting.” White, who appeared in the majors in both 2011 and 2012, is just hoping to get back.

“I think we’re ready to do that,” he said. “I think the arm’s ready to do that, and it’s been a while since I’ve been in the major leagues, but it’s time to get back.”

The 26-year-old posted a 6.50 ERA over 63 2/3 innings in Triple-A last year.

Report: Orioles deal with Everth Cabrera to be finalized soon
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) The Orioles deal with shortstop Everth Cabrera is expected to be finalized by the weekend, according to the Baltimore Sun. 

Cabrera is in the process of signing with the club, but the process will take a few more days. The deal is expected to be finished by Friday at the earlier. Cabrera took a physical with the club on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old Cabrera hit .232/.272/.300 over 357 at-bats last season. He was charged with resisting arrest in November, and is set to appear in a jury trial on April 13. 

Blue Jays’ Steve Delabar hoping for bounce back season
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) Blue Jays reliever Steve Delabar is hoping for a bounce back season, according to the National Post. 

Delabar had a bit of a rough season in 2014. After making the All-Star team in 2013, Delabar posted a 4.91 ERA over 25 2/3 innings, and was sent to the minors in June. Delabar did not return when the club expanded rosters in September. 

Knee issues were the reason for Delabar’s struggles. He initially jammed his left knee, and then wound up hyperextending his right knee. The issues, while “manageable,” forced Delabar to alter his delivery. The club thought Delabar should rest at the end of the sesaon, which led to the decision not to call him up.

That decision motivated Delabar to work harder during the offseason. “As soon as I got back, I was itching to get going and get things right,” he said. “I feel good about where I am right now.” 

Delabar will come into camp fighting to earn a spot on the team’s 25-man roster. 

Astros’ Roberto Hernandez could be delayed with visa issues
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) Astros pitcher Roberto Hernandez may be delayed by visa issues, according to the Houston Chronicle. 

Hernandez signed last Thursday, and is trying to quickly secure a visa. “I haven’t been told he’s going to be late, but he would be the one question,” manager A.J. Hinch said. Hernandez’s agent said he is trying to get Hernandez’s process expediated. 

Hernandez posted a 4.10 ERA over 164 2/3 innings last year. 

Mariners’ Victor Sanchez improving, but may require more surgery
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) Mariners pitcher Victor Sanchez is improving, but may require more surgery, according to lavinotinto.com.

Sanchez underwent a craniectomy after he was struck by a boat’s propeller while swimming. He’s been able to move both his arms and legs in recent days, though still may require additional surgery. The Mariners have confirmed that Sanchez was hospitalized following the incident, but have not commented on his status recently. 

Nationals’ Heath Bell in the best shape of his life
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) Nationals reliever Heath Bell reported to camp in the best shape of his life, according to The Washington Post. 

Bell claims to have lost 40 pounds during the offseason in an attempt to get in better shape for the season. After signing a minor-league deal with the club during the offseason, Bell will have to earn his spot on the major-league roster during the spring. 

Bell said he wanted to make a good impression with his new club. “I wanted to come into camp and people say, ‘He works his butt off,'” Bell said. “I still need to get people out. It’s just gonna make me look nicer.” In order to get in better shape, Bell trained for two triathlons during the offseason. He also made sure to eat healthier. 

While Bell faces an uphill climb in order to make the team, he believes he can do so if he performs.  “I feel like my chances are how I perform on the mound and getting batters out.”

Bell posted a 7.27 ERA over 17 1/3 innings last year. 

Rays’ Jake McGee hoping for April return
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) Rays reliever Jake McGee is hoping for an April return, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

McGee is recovering from elbow surgery, but has been able to throw from 90 feet. While he’s expected to miss the beginning of the year, McGee may return during the first month of the season. The 28-year-old posted a 1.89 ERA over 71 1/3 innings last year. 

Cardinals’ Peter Bourjos feeling great after hip surgery
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/18/2015) Cardinals outfielder Peter Bourjos is feeling great after hip surgery, according to MLB.com.

Bourjos had surgery in October, but said he feels good heading into camp. Bourjos, who has been cleared to run since January, said things felt weird initially. “The first day I ran, it was weird. My hip felt loose,” Bourjos said. Things have improved since then. “Now that I have range of motion, I realize how restricted I was,” he explained. “I didn’t know any better, because I had never had it.”

Bourjos explained that he’s had the pain for some time now, but waited on the surgery because he didn’t know how it would impact his career. Things got so bad last season, though, that he felt he had no choice. Bourjos said he would wake up in the middle of the night “feeling like somebody was stabbing me right in the joint.” Though Bourjos feels healthy, the club may opt to limit him initially during camp.

Bourjos, 27, hit .231/.294/.348 over 264 at-bats last year.