Astros’ Brett Oberholtzer ready to return Monday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2:56 pm ET) Astros pitcher Brett Oberholtzer will start Monday for the first time since being shut down due to a lat strain, the Houston Chronicle reports.

“We want to get him in the four-five inning range and see how he responds both physically and endurance wise,” manager A.J. Hinch said of Oberholtzer. “And then five days after that do another test for him. He’s got a chance to be ready for the season and pitch in the five, six or even seven range.”

Oberholtzer threw three innings in a minor-league game Wednesday without issue.

Mariners’ Seth Smith out Sunday after rolling ankle
by Shawn Krest | CBSSports.com

(2:52 pm ET) Mariners outfielder Seth Smith was held out of Sunday’s game as a precaution after rolling his ankle on Saturday. 

Manager Lloyd McClendon said Smith suffered the injury sliding into home, per the Seattle Times.

Chris Taylor taking swings for Mariners
by Shawn Krest | CBSSports.com

(2:45 pm ET) Chris Taylor has begun swinging a bat again for the Mariners.

The shortstop suffered a broken bone in his wrist on March 13 and hasn’t taken swings since. On Sunday, he took dry swings (meaning no ball was involved) in a pool, per the Seattle Times.

He’s also started throwing. 

Dodgers’ Juan Uribe (illness) scratched Sunday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2:45 pm ET) Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe was scratched from Sunday’s lineup due to illness, MLB.com reports. Uribe has hit just .225/.262/.250 in 40 spring at-bats.

Brewers option Brandon Kintzler to Triple-A
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2:38 pm ET) The Brewers have optioned pitcher Brandon Kintzler to Triple-A Colorado Springs, the team announced Sunday.

Kintzler has made 135 appearances for the Brewers over the last two seasons but managed just 31 strikeouts in 58 1/3 innings last season while posting a 3.24 ERA. He gave up six earned runs in 8 1/3 innings this spring.

Padres’ Brandon Morrow to return to mound Tuesday
by Shawn Krest | CBSSports.com

(2:33 pm ET) Padres pitcher Brandon Morrow will make a start on Tuesday, the U-T San Diego reported.

Morrow missed Thursday’s start with a blister. The team hasn’t decided if he’ll start for the Padres or in a minor league game. Odrisamer Despaigne, who took Morrow’s spot on Thursday, will start the other game.

Joe Kelly to pitch in Red Sox minor league game, may be DL bound
by Shawn Krest | CBSSports.com

(2:30 pm ET) Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly will pitch in a minor league game on Wednesday, leaving open the possibility that he starts the season on the disabled list. Any DL assignment can be made retroactive to Kelly’s last appearance with the Major League team. 

Kelly has been bothered by biceps soreness for the last two weeks. 

“We’ll continue to make sure that he’s answering the physical questions,” manager John Farrell said, per CSN New England. “With the number of pitches thrown and a progression that’s outlined for him…We’re keeping their options open.”

Blue Jays claim 1B Andy Wilkins off waivers
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2:15 pm ET)

Angels’ Garrett Richards unlikely to be ready by April 14
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2:05 pm ET) Angels pitcher Garrett Richards is doubtful to be ready to make his season debut by April 14 but should make it back to the mound soon after, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Richards felt good after throwing five innings in a minor-league game Saturday. He’s working his way back from surgery on his left knee.

Athletics OF Josh Reddick (oblique) set for minor-league action
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(1:59 pm ET) Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick will play five innings in a minor-league game Sunday, the Bay Area News Group reports.

Reddick is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, and the Athletics are expected to play Ben Zobrist in right field and Eric Sogard at second base while the outfielder recovers.