Giants’ Susac (wrist) could make return to lineup Sunday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:51 am ET) Giants catcher Andrew Susac (wrist) is responding well to a cortisone injection and could return to the spring lineup as early as Sunday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Susac feels fine when he hits and throws.

Astros’ Hinch: Evan Gattis (wrist) to attempt soft toss, hitting off tee
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:42 am ET) Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday the plan is for catcher Evan Gattis (wrist) to attempt soft toss and hitting off a tee in the next two days as a way to test pain tolerance, according to MLB.com. Gattis has been sidelined since Sunday due to right wrist discomfort.

Royals’ Alex Gordon to make Cactus League debut on Saturday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11:39 am ET) Royals outfielder Alex Gordon is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Saturday, according to the Kansas City Star. He is working his way back from offseason wrist surgery in December. Last season, he produced a .266/.351/.432 with 19 homers and 74 RBI over 563 at-bats.

Braves release infielder Tyler Pastornicky
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:37 am ET) The Braves have released infielder Tyler Pastornicky, according to 680 The Fan.

Pastornicky has appeared in just 48 MLB games the last two seasons after appearing in 76 as a rookie in 2012. He has a career .243 average in 124 MLB games.

Braves’ Bethancourt out Thursday due to flu-like symptoms
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:28 am ET) Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt was scratched from Thursday’s spring lineup against the Marlins due to flu-like symptoms. He was replaced by John Buck in the starting lineup.

Bethancourt is batting .360 (9 for 25) with three runs, six doubles and five RBI in nine spring games.

Orioles’ Alejandro De Aza away from club for grandfather’s birthday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11:09 am ET) Orioles manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Alejandro De Aza was not with the club on Thursday. He was given permission by the Orioles to fly back the Dominican Republic for his grandfather’s 99th birthday and his daughter’s birthday. He left Wednesday, and is expected to be back with the club on Friday, per the Baltimore Sun.

Rockies’ Kendrick to start Opening Day, De La Rosa starting home opener
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:06 am ET) Rockies manager Walt Weiss announced Thursday starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick will start Opening Day (April 6) against the Brewers. He also announced Jorge De La Rosa will start the home opener on April 10 against the Cubs.

“[Kendrick is] very professional, very efficient on the mound. He’s a veteran guy that’s pitched in big games,” Weiss said. “We always feel good when [De La Rosa is] on the mound, especially when he’s on the mound at our place.”

Orioles’ David Lough dealing with a sore hamstring
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11:05 am ET) Orioles outfielder David Lough is dealing with a sore hamstring with has kept him sidelined from Baltimore’s Grapefruit League lineup since Wednesday, according to the Baltimore Sun. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters he’s feeling better, but is being held back as a precaution.

Lough is hitting .190 this spring.

Orioles’ Matt Wieters headed for X-rays on injured elbow
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:00 am ET) Orioles catcher Matt Wieters is headed for X-rays Thursday on his injured elbow, according to MLB.com. Wieters said he is feeling better Thursday after being scratched Wednesday due to elbow tendinitis and the X-rays are for precautionary reasons.

“[Athletic trainer] Richie [Bancells] and them decided by the time I got back [from Wednesday’s game] they were going to set it up and get it done,” manager Buck Showalter said of Wieters. “Talked to Dr. [Michael] Jacobs a little bit and wanted to make sure we had a baseline. Before and after stuff.”

Mets’ Long impressed with Wilmer Flores: ‘He just doesn’t miss’
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:49 am ET) Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores is batting .414 (12 for 29) with one home run, four doubles, five RBI and five runs in nine spring games.

New hitting coach Kevin Long has only been working with Flores for a little while, but the 23-year-old infielder has already left a strong impression.

“Wilmer Flores, he just doesn’t miss,” Long said, per the New York Post. “If you throw a strike, he’s going to do damage.”