Royals RP Ryan Madson scratched Monday due to back stiffness
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1:57 pm ET) Royals reliever Ryan Madson was scratched from throwing Monday due to back stiffness, per The Kansas City Star. The team said it was a precautionary move.

Mariners’ James Paxton on track to throw bullpen session Friday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1:48 pm ET) Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (forearm) said Monday he feels great and ready to go after playing catch, per MLB.com. The plan is for Paxton to play catch again Tuesday and throw a bullpen Friday.

Padres OF Alex Dickerson working at first base
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(1:37 pm ET) Padres outfielder Alex Dickerson has emphasized working at first base this offseason, including showing up to the Peoria Sports Complex a month ahead of schedule to get ahead in his preparation, U-T San Diego reports.

Dickerson suffered an ankle sprain last spring, and the subsequent MRI revealed a hole in his left heel that would have jeopardized his career had it shattered. After undergoing surgery, the outfielder was able to return to the field in mid-July and hit .321/.367/.496 with three home runs and 24 RBI in 137 at-bats with Double-A San Antonio.

“My leg was still really weak at that point,” Dickerson said. “I was supposed to miss the whole season, but I made a conscious effort to try to get on the field. I knew structurally I’d be alright. I could push myself. The one thing that was lagging behind was leg strength, which I lost to atrophy because of lying in bed for a month in a half.”

Dickerson played exclusively in right field with San Antonio but did work as a first baseman in 2011 and 2012. He’s rotating through both corner-outfield spots as well as first base.

“I honestly think I’m in better shape, baseball-wise, than I was at this point last year,” Dickerson said.

Reds’ Bailey says he feels good after bullpen session Monday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1:32 pm ET) Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (elbow) said he felt good Monday after throwing 26-27 pitches in the bullpen, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. Bailey is not expected to be ready for the start of the season coming off elbow surgery in September.

Report: Braves’ Simmons might not play in spring games until next week
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1:28 pm ET) Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons appears to be recovered from an oblique injury, according to MLB.com. However, he probably won’t play in spring games until next week.

Dodgers ace Kershaw penciled in to start fifth straight opening day
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1:26 pm ET) In a move that is of little surprise, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly announced Monday he is planning to start ace Clayton Kershaw on opening day (April 6) against the Padres.

Kershaw is on track to start his fifth straight opening day, which would mean Don Sutton would be the only other pitcher in franchise history with more consecutive opening day starts. Sutton started seven straight times from 1972-78.

Astros’ Evan Gattis dealing with dehydration
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:59 pm ET) Astros catcher Evan Gattis is battling dehydration Monday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager A.J. Hinch indicated that the issue isn’t serious and shouldn’t prevent Gattis from working out. Acquired this offseason from the Braves, Gattis should get work at first base and in the outfield this spring.

Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka throws live BP session Monday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:56 pm ET) Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka threw his first live batting practice session Monday morning and showed no signs of struggle or discomfort, The Journal News reports.

Tanaka didn’t speak to media immediately after the session. He missed significant time in 2014 due to a partially-torn ulnar collateral ligament but was able to make two starts in September. He finished the season with a 13-5 record, 2.77 ERA and 141:21 K:BB ratio in 136 1/3 innings.

Diamondbacks open to trading Cahill, Ross, Hill
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:49 pm ET) The Diamondbacks have let it be known that the team is open to trading pitcher Trevor Cahill, outfielder Cody Ross and second baseman Aaron Hill, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports.

Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart indicated Monday that he has not spoken to teams about any of the three players.

Hill is expected to open the season as the team’s starting second baseman, while Ross is likely to compete for at-bats in left field. Cahill is not a lock to open the season in the team’s rotation even if he remains on the Diamondbacks.

Five Athletics competing to bat second in lineup
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:43 pm ET) Manager Bob Melvin indicated that five players are competing to bat second in the Athletics lineup this season, the Bay Area News Group reports.

Shortstop Ben Zobrist, second baseman Marcus Semien, third baseman Brett Lawrie and outfielders Sam Fuld and Craig Gentry are all in the mix for the second spot in the lineup.

The Athletics opened last season with third baseman Josh Donaldson slotted second, but Donaldson has since been traded to Toronto.