Twins’ Ricky Nolasco allows one run in five innings Tuesday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4:55 pm ET) Twins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco allowed one run on three hits and one walk in five innings during Tuesday’s spring start against the Blue Jays. He struck out six.

Nolasco allowed his only run on a solo homer to Josh Donaldson in the fifth inning.

“Curveball was going pretty good,” Nolasco said of his outing, per MLB.com. “Trying to attack, throw strikes. It’s definitely not a lineup you want to pitch behind to, so I was able to get ahead and put away some guys. Got a little sloppy there in the fifth with two outs, but I was able to get out of that, so it was OK.”

Nolasco has allowed just one run in three of his four spring starts. He has a 3.95 ERA.

Rangers’ Ross Ohlendorf (groin) scheduled to pitch Thursday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(4:51 pm ET) Rangers pitcher Ross Ohlendorf is scheduled to make an appearance in a spring game on Thursday, according to MLB.com.

Ohlendorf has not pitched since March 15 with tightness in his right groin. Manager Jeff Banister revealed that Ohlendorf is unlikely to crack the rotation, but still has a shot to win a spot in the bullpen.

Mets option reliever Jack Leathersich to minor-league camp
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4:47 pm ET) The Mets optioned reliever Jack Leathersich to minor-league camp Thursday, taking him out of the running for a spot in the bullpen. The left-handed reliever went 0-1 with a 9.64 ERA in 4 2/3 innings.

Rangers’ Shawn Tolleson to throw a bullpen session this week
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(4:46 pm ET) Rangers pitcher Shawn Tolleson, who was scratched on Sunday with mild forearm tightness in his right arm, is expected to throw a bullpen session at some point this week, according to MLB.com.

Tolleson has allowed three earned runs in four innings this spring.

Braves’ Gonzalez confident Markakis can get enough at-bats before opener
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4:43 pm ET) Braves outfielder Nick Markakis is scheduled to play in a minor-league game Thursday, per Braves reporter Kevin McAlpin. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Tuesday he is confident Markakis can get enough at-bats to be ready for Opening Day.

Markakis made his spring debut Monday after missing the first few weeks of spring games coming off neck surgery in December.

Report: Royals place Jandel Gustave on waivers
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(4:40 pm ET) The Royals have placed pitcher Jandel Gustave on waivers, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gustave was a Rule 5 pick this offseason, and any claiming team would take on his Rule 5 rights. If he passes through waivers unclaimed, the Royals would have to offer the pitcher back to the Astros. Gustave has allowed three earned runs in 7 1/3 innings this spring.

Braves’ Mike Minor (shoulder) feels good after throwing Tuesday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(4:35 pm ET) Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said that pitcher Mike Minor was feeling good after throwing from 60 feet Tuesday, the Braves Radio Network reports.

It was the first time Minor has throw since being shut down with shoulder tightness earlier in March. He completed two sets of 15 throws in the session. He’s scheduled to open the season on the disabled list and may be able to rejoin the rotation by early May.

Mets’ David Wright has three home runs in last six spring games
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4:34 pm ET) Mets third baseman David Wright homered for the third time this spring and second time in three games Tuesday against the Astros. In fact, all three of his home runs have come in his last six appearances.

Wright connected Tuesday for a two-run homer off Collin McHugh in the third inning. All three of his home runs have come off major-league pitchers. He hit a two-run homer off CC Sabathia on Sunday and hit a three-run homer off Tanner Roark on March 14.

Wright is batting .303 (10 for 33) with one double and 10 RBI in 12 spring games.

White Sox to start season with Jeff Samardzija, Jose Quintana?
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(4:33 pm ET) White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija told reporters he’s not concerned about his chances of taking Chris Sale’s spot as Chicago’s Opening Day starter, according to Chicago Sun Times. 

“No, I just need to know the day of,” Samardzija said. “Some of my best starts were when I showed up and they said you’re pitching today. It doesn’t really matter to me. Probably the less time you get the better, that way the less time you stay in bed thinking about it and staying up all night.”

Although manager Robin Ventura has yet to name his starter for Day, Jose Quintana may have tipped his hand, telling reporters he expects to see the ball in Day 2.

“It’s a little different because it’s the first one, right?” Samardzija said. “You’re not in midseason form but the spotlight is so bright you need to be in midseason form, so in that sense it’s a little weird.”

Mets’ Dillon Gee hasn’t allowed a run in last two spring starts
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4:29 pm ET) Mets pitcher Dillon Gee, who is competing with Rafael Montero for the final spot in the rotation, tossed four scoreless innings during Tuesday’s spring game against the Astros. He allowed four hits and one walk, while striking out one.

Gee, who is likely to replace Zack Wheeler in the rotation, has tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings over his last two starts, lowering his spring ERA to 2.45 in 14 2/3 innings.