Report: Suk-Min Yoon parts ways with O’s, returns to South Korea
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:48 am ET) It appears pitcher Suk-Min Yoon is parting ways with the Orioles, per MASNsports.com. According to a report out of Korea, Yoon has returned to South Korea and isn’t expected to report to minor-league camp on Saturday.

The Orioles signed Yoon to a three-year, $5.575 million contract last February. However, he spent the year in Triple-A, as he struggled through injuries and ineffectiveness.

The 28-year-old right-hander went 4-8 with a 5.74 ERA in 23 appearances (18 starts) at Triple-A.

Yoon was taken off the 40-man roster in August and did not receive an invite to major-league camp this spring.

Astros’ Brad Peacock (hip) expected to face batters next week
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:42 am ET) Astros pitcher Brad Peacock (hip) is slated to throw to batters around March 10-12, according to the Houston Chronicle. Still, Peacock might not have enough time to get ready by the season opener.

“I don’t know,” manager A.J. Hinch said when asked if Peacock will be ready by opening day. “I’m so happy with where he’s at and he’s happy with where he’s at. The No. 1 goal is to get him healthy. … I’m still not sure until we see how he responds to all this.”

Phil Coke signs minor-league deal with Cubs
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:37 am ET) The Cubs have agreed to a minor-league deal with free agent reliever Phil Coke, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. He has received an invite to major-league camp.

Coke turned down at least one major-league offer for a chance to compete for a spot in the Cubs’ bullpen, one source told FOX Sports.

“They just all made me feel very welcomed and I feel like I have a great opportunity to help this team get to next level,” Coke said, per FOX Sports. “I am looking forward to challenge of competing for a spot and helping this team bring a championship to north side of Chicago.”

The 32-year-old Coke went 5-2 with a 3.88 ERA and one save in 62 relief outings for Detroit in 2014. He has spent his entire seven-year MLB career in the AL, pitching for the Yankees and Tigers.

Astros’ Roberto Hernandez arrives at camp, throws in bullpen
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:28 am ET) Astros starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez arrived for spring training Thursday and threw in the bullpen. Hernandez missed the first two weeks of camp due to visa issues.

Hernandez, who is competing for a spot in the rotation, said he will throw in the bullpen again Saturday and then should be ready for his spring debut.

“We’ve got to get him off the bullpen mound and then gauge,” manager A.J. Hinch said, per MLB.com. “He’s prepared. He’s been working out at the main stadium in Santo Domingo. When he tells me he’s ready, he’ll be inserted. I’m just glad he’s here. Let’s get through one day first and then we’ll plan it out.”

Report: Mariners’ Choi likely to miss 4-6 weeks following surgery
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:24 am ET) Mariners first base prospect Ji-Man Choi will undergo surgery Thursday after suffering a fractured fibula during Wednesday’s spring game against the Padres, according to MLB.com. He is expected to be sidelined 4-6 months.

Astros catcher Hank Conger dealing with left wrist injury
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:19 am ET) Astros catcher Hank Conger is dealing with a minor left wrist injury, according to the Houston Chronicle. However, he could catch in a game this weekend.

“Conger has been delayed a little bit,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “I think we’re going to get him in a game this weekend, he’s not injured. It’s just we’re delaying the start of his spring until most likely this weekend. … We’ve tried to be good to these guys on the health side and our trainers have kept him healthy.

“I think he’s catching a ‘pen today. We held him off a couple days, but he’s fine. He just needed a day.”

Padres’ Upton crushes HR off batter’s eye in CF in spring debut
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:16 am ET) Padres outfielder Justin Upton, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Braves, wasted little time showing the kind of impact he can bring to the San Diego lineup. Upton homered in his spring debut Wednesday against the Mariners, and it wasn’t a shot that barely made it over the wall.

“That ball was crushed,” manager Bud Black said, per U-T San Diego.

Upton blasted an 0-1 breaking ball from Mariners pitcher Forrest Snow off the batter’s eye in center field at Peoria Stadium, which sits 410 feet away from home plate.

“You try to stay within yourself, under control,” Upton said. “Most of the time, if you swing the bat with good path, you can get some backspin. I got lucky today and ran into one.”

Redmond: Giancarlo Stanton on same plan as everybody else
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:07 am ET) Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton hit third and started in right field for his spring debut Thursday against the Cardinals.

Stanton, who hasn’t played in a game since getting hit in the face by a pitch in September, hit off coaches and participated in a few live batting practices before getting into a spring game Thursday.

“It’s been great to see him, he looks good, I know he’s in great shape and know it’s the start of the process to prepare yourself for the season,” manager Mike Redmond said, per The Palm Beach Post. “He’s on the same plan as everybody else.”

Marlins SP Jose Fernandez (elbow) throws second bullpen session
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:58 am ET) Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (elbow) threw 20 pitches Thursday during his second bullpen session this spring, per The Palm Beach Post. Fernandez threw in front of pitching coach Chuck Hernandez and the training staff.

Fernandez is expected to throw two bullpen sessions a week for most of March.

Dodgers’ Turner: Joc Pederson only talks about hitting, ever
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:50 am ET) Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, who is competing for the starting job in center field, got his spring campaign started off on the right foot Wednesday against the White Sox. The highly touted prospect went 2 for 2 with one double and one run.

One person who was likely happy to see Pederson get off to a quick start was teammate Justin Turner, who spent the offseason working out in Los Angeles with the 22-year-old outfielder.

“He doesn’t talk about anything but hitting, ever,” Turner said, per the Los Angeles Times. “He loves to talk hitting. He’s not afraid to ask questions, which I love. One of my pet peeves is when you’re around guys who have a lot of valuable information and you don’t ask them anything. When I’m around guys, I ask questions. I want to know what they’re doing, what they’re thinking, because I want to learn.”