Mariners’ Hisashi Iwakuma tosses two scoreless innings Thursday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(1:33 am ET) Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma tossed two scoreless innings in his start against the Padres’ Triple-A club Thursday in his final tuneup for the regular season, MLB.com reports.

Iwakuma threw 21 of his 32 pitches for strikes in the brief outing. Manager Lloyd McClendon has yet to announce his rotation order, but Iwakuma is on track to pitch the third game of the season on April 8 against the Angels. McClendon could decide to move him up to the second game of the season ahead of James Paxton, who has struggled this spring.

Dodgers’ Andre Ethier returns to action Thursday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:51 am ET) Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier went 0 for 1 in Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the Angels.

Ethier was removed from Tuesday’s game after being hit on the right elbow by a pitch. X-rays on the elbow came back negative, and Ethier was able to resume action after a day off. He has hit .306 with one home run in 49 at-bats this spring.

Angels’ Garrett Richards tosses 5 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:44 am ET) Angels pitcher Garrett Richards allowed six hits and one walk in 5 1/3 scoreless innings during a Triple-A game Thursday, giving him 14 1/3 scoreless innings in three rehab starts this spring, MLB.com reports.

The hope was that Richards would be ready to pitch in the majors on April 14, which is the first time the Angels need a fifth starter, but manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday that Richards won’t be back for that start. He’ll receive at least two more minor-league starts before potentially joining the rotation.

A’s SP Scott Kazmir tosses six one-run innings in spring finale
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:38 am ET) Athletics pitcher Scott Kazmir surrendered just one earned run on four hits in six innings while recording no walks or strikeouts in his final start of the spring Thursday against the Giants.

Kazmir gave up just two earned runs across four outing this spring to finish with a 1.00 ERA and 14:4 K:BB ratio in 18 innings. He’ll square off against the Rangers Wednesday in his regular-season debut.

Giants’ Jake Peavy struggles in final spring outing Thursday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:32 am ET) Giants pitcher Jake Peavy allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings while striking out two in his final spring start Thursday against the A’s.

Peavy said Sunday that he’s been dealing with a dead-arm phase, and he certainly didn’t have his best stuff in his last start before the regular season. He finishes the spring with a 9.64 ERA and 12:6 K:BB ratio in 18 2/3 innings. The Giants have yet to announce the rotation schedule for the beginning of the season but Peavy could be in line to face the Diamondbacks during the team’s first series.

Angels’ Mike Trout smacks fifth spring homer Thursday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:25 am ET) Angels outfielder Mike Trout went 2 for 3 with a walk, a triple and a home run in Thursday’s matchup against the Dodgers.

Trout’s triple was his third of the spring, and the home run was his fifth. He also stole his fifth base of the spring in Thursday’s game and owns a .463 average. The reigning AL MVP appears completely ready for the regular season to begin.

Angels’ Matt Shoemaker allows one run in final spring start
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12:22 am ET) Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker surrendered just one earned run on five hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings while striking out three in his final spring start Thursday.

Shoemaker ends the spring with a 4.26 ERA and 10:5 K:BB ratio in 25 1/3 innings. He’ll make his regular-season debut Wednesday against the Mariners.

Dodgers’ Mattingly: Yasiel Puig fine after exiting game Thursday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(4/2/2015) Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig left Thursday’s game against the Angels after being hit in the throat during a defensive play, but manager Don Mattingly said after the game that the outfielder is fine, ESPN reports.

Puig was able to leave the game under his own power and was pulled for precautionary reasons. He made a late call on the ball during the play, and second baseman Howie Kendrick was unable to avoid the collision with Puig.

Astros’ Roberto Hernandez tosses six innings in spring tuneup
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(4/2/2015) Astros pitcher Roberto Hernandez allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out six and walking none in Thursday’s exhibition game against Double-A Corpus Christi.

“I felt good,” Hernandez said after the outing, per MLB.com. “I hope to continue to pitch like that. I just need to keep the ball down and don’t overthrow, and I’ll be good.”

Hernandez retired 10 straight batters to close out his performance Thursday.

“I think he got a little mad at the end after he had guys hitting him around the ballpark a little bit early on,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He settled in and really pitched well. He threw 90 pitches and looked good. He has his first start for us against the Texas Rangers in a little more than a week, and he’ll be ready.”

Hernandez, who will open the season as the team’s No. 5 starter, is scheduled to face the Rangers on April 11.

Giants’ Duffy: ‘I’ve done everything in my power’ to win roster spot
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(4/2/2015) Giants infielder Matt Duffy is “at peace” with whatever the Giants decide to do with him after delivering an excellent performance this spring, MLB.com reports.

“I’ve done everything in my power,” Duffy said Thursday. “I know it’s not always an easy decision for them out of camp, so whatever happens, whatever it is, I can sleep at night knowing I’ve done everything I can to show them I can help them win games.”

Duffy has hit .382/.424/.691 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 55 at-bats this spring.

“I don’t know what else he could do,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “There’s nothing else. This series won’t matter as far what happens to Matt Duffy. What a terrific spring this kid’s had. Wherever we’ve put him, he’s done a good job, and as far as swinging the bat. He done what you’re hoping all these guys do, young players, force the issue. He certainly has done that.”

Duffy is competing for a utility-infielder spot this spring.