Braves option Cunniff to Triple-A, add Benson as non-roster invitee
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2:57 pm ET) The Braves announced Thursday they optioned reliever Brandon Cunniff to Triple-A Gwinnett. They also added outfielder Joe Benson, who is competing for a spot on the bench, to the non-roster invitee list.

Tigers officially place Justin Verlander, Bruce Rondon on DL
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(2:41 pm ET) The Tigers officially placed starter Justin Verlander (triceps) and reliever Bruce Rondon (biceps) on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, per the team’s official website.

Verlander’s stint on the disabled list will be backdated to March 28, leaving a chance for the 32-year-old right-hander to make his season debut against the Indians on April 12, manager Brad Ausmus told reporters.

Rondon’s stint is backdated to April 1. He will be eligible to return from the DL in mid-April.

Manfred: Josh Hamilton decision won’t come until after opener
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(2:07 pm ET) MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league expects to have a decision on possible discipline against Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton until after Opening Day, according to the Associated Press.

“I think that we’ll have something on Hamilton in relatively short order — probably has been a little slower just because he’s not available to play,” Manfred said Wednesday on SiriusXM radio.

Hamilton, who was suspended from baseball from 2004-06 for issues related to cocaine and alcohol abuse, admitted to MLB he experienced a relapse a few months ago, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

It remains to be seen if MLB will have Hamilton enter a rehabilitation program following a drug relapse or face a suspension.

Rangers claim Verrett off waivers from O’s, place Richardson on DL
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2:06 pm ET) The Rangers announced Thursday they claimed pitcher Logan Verrett off waivers from the Orioles. In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, outfielder Antoan Richardson (back) has been placed on the 60-day disabled list.

Phillies’ Ken Giles expects to be ready for Opening Day
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(1:55 pm ET) Phillies reliever Ken Giles, who has a mild mid-back strain, told reporters he expects to be ready for Opening Day after playing catch on Thursday, per MLB.com.

“I let it loose,” Giles said. “No pain. No nothing.”

Padres reasisgn Chris Rearick to minor-league camp
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(1:51 pm ET) The Padres reassigned reliever Chris Rearick to minor-league camp on Thursday, per U-T San Diego. The move leaves Frank Garces as the lone left-handed reliever left in San Diego’s active roster.

Marlins’ Claiborne out at least one month with shoulder issue
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(1:49 pm ET) Marlins pitcher Preston Claiborne suffered a right shoulder labrum injury, which will keep him sidelined for at least a month of game action, reports MLB.com. Claiborne was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Monday after posting a 1.23 ERA over 7 1/3 innings of work this spring.

Yankees OF Carlos Beltran dealing with stomach virus
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(1:45 pm ET) Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran was scratched out of the lineup card on Thursday because of a stomach virus, according to the New York Daily News. He was replaced by Austin Romine at DH for New York.

Beltran is hitting .243 this spring.