Angels SP Jered Weaver: ‘I’m ready’ for Opening Day
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12:59 pm ET) Angels starter Jered Weaver finished his spring training campaign on Tuesday. He allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings of work in a minor-league game. According to the Orange County Register, Weaver shifted his focus on Opening Day at Seattle on Monday.

“I’m ready,” Weaver said. “It’s going to be fun to pitch under the lights again, obviously not in the first game, but it’s nice to get that atmosphere back again. Get back out there and start a fresh season again. It’s going to be fun.”

Yankees SS Didi Gregorius (wrist) slated to play Thursday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12:37 pm ET) Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius, who has been sidelined since Saturday with a wrist injury, took part in fielding drills and batting practice on Wednesday. He is expected to play in one of New York’s split-squad games against Detroit and Pittsburgh on Thursday, according to the Journal News. 

Brad Penny scratched by White Sox due to illness
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12:35 pm ET) The White Sox scratched Brad Penny in favor of Scott Carroll on Tuesday against the Mariners due to an illness, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Penny, has allowed 12 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings in Cactus League play.

Report: No progress in contract talks for Reds ace Johnny Cueto
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12:34 pm ET) The Reds have not made progress in contract talks with starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, a source told FOX Sports. Cueto has expressed a desire to finalize a contract extension before Opening Day.

Cueto, who is set to make $10 million in 2015, is in the final season of a five-year, $36.2 million contract.

White Sox’s Nate Jones tosses first bullpen since Tommy John
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12:32 pm ET) White Sox reliever Nate Jones threw his first bullpen in nearly 12 months, according to the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday.

“I’m just excited to be out there an almost be normal,” Jones said.

Jones was placed on the 60-day disabled list last week, as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery last July. He is targeting a mid-season return.

Neck stiffness keeps Chris Coghlan out of Cubs lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12:28 pm ET) Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan was scratched from Wednesday’s spring lineup due to a stiff neck. He is batting .289 (11 for 38) with two home runs, three doubles and nine RBI in 16 spring games. He also has nine walks and 10 strikeouts.

Marlins planning off days for Michael Morse to help avoid injury
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12:26 pm ET) Marlins manager Mike Redmond said Wednesday he will give veteran first baseman Michael Morse days off throughout the season in an effort to keep him off the trainer’s table, per The Miami Herald.

“That’s definitely something we’ll monitor with him — his health,” Redmond said. “Will there maybe be some extra days off for him? We’ll see and monitor that as he goes. Really the important thing for him is to keep him on the field. He knows that and we know that.

“But the beauty of our bench is we have options. We have [Jeff Baker]. We have Don Kelly. We can play them if [Morse] needs a blow. Martin Prado too. These guys, they want to play every single day. But at the same time too we need to be smart because we need them for the whole season. Keeping these guys together, healthy and strong is important as well.”

Morse is having a productive spring, batting .348 (16 for 46) with one double, four home runs and 14 RBI in 18 games. He also has five walks and 11 strikeouts.

Marlins’ Redmond not expecting rotation order to change
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12:16 pm ET) Marlins manager Mike Redmond said Wednesday he is anticipating the rotation order to remain the same, per The Miami Herald. Henderson Alvarez will start Opening Day, and he will be followed by Jarred Cosart, Mat Latos, Tom Koehler and Dan Haren.

“(Wednesday) with Cosart throwing it’s another big step, making sure his [blistered middle] finger gets through the grind of a game healthy,” Redmond said. “I’m anticipating if everything stays fine with him this [order in the rotation] pretty much is what it is. But we’ll know more after he goes out and pitches. I’m anticipating him being fine.”

Cardinals finalize rotation plans for start of season
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12:08 pm ET) The Cardinals announced Wednesday starting pitcher Lance Lynn will start the second game of the season on April 7 against the Cubs. It was already previously announced Adam Wainwright would start the season opener Sunday against the Cubs.

John Lackey will then finish out the Chicago series April 8. Michael Wacha will open a three-game series April 10 at Cincinnati, and he will be followed by Carlos Martinez before the rotation resets. 

Lynn is on track to start the home opener on April 13 against the Brewers.

Rangers prospect Joey Gallo scheduled for MRI on injured heel
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12:08 pm ET) Rangers prospect Joey Gallo is dealing with a bruised left heel, according to MLB.com. He will undergo an MRI on his left heel and visit specialist Dr. John Crates on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Gallo, 21, hit .250/.333/.469 with two homers and six RBI over 32 at-bats this spring.