Nationals’ Jayson Werth (shoulder) fine after minor-league work
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9:45 am ET) Nationals manager Matt Williams said Monday that outfielder Jayson Werth (shoulder) played five innings in the outfield in a minor-league game and came out of the game sore but fine, masnsports.com reports.

Werth saw six chances in his five innings of work. He’s returning from January shoulder surgery and has yet to see at-bats in game situations.

Rays’ Cash tabs Asdrubal Cabrera as starting shortstop
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:41 am ET) Rays manager Kevin Cash made it official Monday, naming Asdrubal Cabrera the team’s starting shortstop. He beat out Nick Franklin and Tim Beckham, who were also competing for the starting job this spring.

“I don’t think you’re going to find a more sure-handed shortstop than Cabby,” Cash said.

Cabrera is a two-time All-Star while playing at shortstop. He has spent most of his MLB career at shortstop (731 games). Although, the Rays were considering using him at both shortstop and second base this season before Cash made his announcement Monday.

Marlins’ Christian Yelich dealing with blister on hand
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9:41 am ET) Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich is not in the starting lineup Monday due to a blister on his hand, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

The team announced Yelich’s new seven-year contract Sunday, which will earn the outfielder $49.57 million over the life of the contract. He should be good to go after a day or two of rest.

Nationals’ Rendon (knee) remains without timetable for return
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9:37 am ET) Nationals manager Matt Williams said Monday that third baseman Anthony Rendon is still dealing with knee soreness and remains without a timetable for a return, MASNsports.com reports.

Rendon will rest the knee, and the continued issue has put his status for Opening Day in doubt. He’s just 2 for 9 this spring.

Rays OF Steven Souza makes quick return to spring lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:36 am ET) Rays outfielder Steven Souza made a quicker than expected return to the spring lineup Monday against the Pirates.

Souza, who left Friday’s game due to tightness in his right forearm, wasn’t expected back until Wednesday. However, he started in right field and hit sixth Monday.

Souza is batting .143 (4 for 28) with one double, two home runs and five RBI in 10 spring games.

Astros’ Gattis, Oberholtzer expected to be ready for regular season
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9:33 am ET) Astros general manager Jeff Lunhow said Monday that outfielder Evan Gattis (wrist) and pitcher Brett Oberholtzer (lat) are expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, MLB.com reports.

Gattis has been getting work in left field on the minor-league side as he continues his transition from catcher, but he’s slated to serve as the team’s designated hitter Monday. Oberholtzer has been recovering from a lat strain and illness but is slated to take the mound Wednesday.

Rays SP Alex Cobb says he is close to being pain-free
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:29 am ET) Rays starting pitcher Alex Cobb (forearm tendinitis) said he is close to being pain-free, according to the Tampa Bay Times. He is scheduled for a follow-up appointment with the doctor on Tuesday.

Rays’ Alex Colome (pneumonia) to throw bullpen session Monday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9:27 am ET) Rays pitcher Alex Colome (pneumonia) is feeling better will throw the first of three scheduled bullpens Monday, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Colome was hospitalized recently due to the illness but was released late last week. It’s possible he’ll miss the beginning of the regular season as he has fallen behind in his preparation for the season.

Astros’ SP competition down to Hernandez, Deduno, Wojciechowski
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:26 am ET) With the demotion of Dan Straily to the minors on Monday, the competition for the final spot in the Astros rotation is down to Roberto Hernandez, Asher Wojciechowski and Samuel Deduno.

Wojciechowski has a 0.75 ERA through four spring outings (one start). Hernandez is 3-0 with a 4.50 ERA through four outings (two starts). Deduno is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA through four appearances (one start).

Astros’ Straily optioned to minors along with Appel, Aplin
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:21 am ET) The Astros announced Monday they reassigned starting pitcher Mark Appel, outfielder Andrew Aplin and starting pitcher Dan Straily to minor-league camp. Straily was competing for a spot in the team’s rotation.

“At this point, we’re looking at the competition for the fifth starter, (Straily) was behind a couple other guys,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said, per the Houston Chronicle. “Did a nice job yesterday. It’s always tough to send a guy out after he pitched well, but we looked at the set of circumstances that would lead to him being that fifth starter, and we really feel like he’s a starter, so we would want him to go to Triple-A and be prepared. What we told him was the truth: we typically need eight-plus starters during the season, and he’s on that list and he’ll probably pitch in Houston this year.”