A’s closer Sean Doolittle might throw off mound next week
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:50 am ET) Athletics closer Sean Doolittle (shoulder) might begin throwing off a mound early next week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The A’s are still not expecting Doolittle, who threw off flat ground Sunday, to return for a few more weeks.

“Hopefully, we anticipate some time in May, maybe the latter end of it,” manager Bob Melvin said of a return date for Doolittle. “That’s just forecasting right now.”

Blue Jays’ Jeff Hoffman on track to join minor-league team in mid-May
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:42 am ET) Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos recently saw starting pitcher prospect Jeff Hoffman, who is almost a year removed from having Tommy John surgery, throw two innings during an intrasquad extended spring game, per Sportsnet.ca. Hoffman was throwing in the high 90s.

“He was exciting to watch,” Anthopoulos said.

Anthopoulos said Hoffman will gradually increase to throwing five innings before being assigned to a minor-league team in mid-May.

Nationals activate Jayson Werth, option Matt den Dekker
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10:22 am ET) The Nationals activated outfielder Jayson Werth from the 15-day disabled list Monday and optioned outfielder Matt den Dekker to Triple-A Syracuse.

Werth missed the first six games of the season while continuing to recover from January shoulder surgery. He went 1 for 6 with three walks and a home run during his rehab assignment with Class A Potomac. Werth is slated to spend this season in left field after spending most of his career in right field.

den Dekker went 0 for 2 in four games off the bench for the Nationals.

Duquette: Orioles have ‘tabled’ contract talks with Chris Tillman
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:21 am ET) Orioles executive vice president Dan Duqutte confirmed during a radio interview Sunday night the team has “tabled” contract talks with starting pitcher Chris Tillman, who won’t be a free agent until after the 2017 season. 

Duquette said the team prefers not to engage in contract talks during the season, but added there is always the opportunity they could resume negotiations. Although, Duquette said if that does happen, he won’t talk about it.

“Well, we had a good discussion with Chris about his contract for this season,” Duquette said, per MASNsports.com. “He got a nice raise based on the work that he did and we have a good idea about what his long-term aspirations are, so I thought that was real helpful. We are real glad to have Chris out there pitching for us.

“Since Chris has come back up to the big leagues in the second half of 2012, he’s been one of the more dependable pitchers in the American League. He’s done a nice job for us. He’s quietly become a solid, dependable starting pitcher and a leader on our ballclub.”

Cabrera is first Tigers player since 1952 to have 11 hits in 3-game span
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:12 am ET) Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is the first Detroit player since 1952 to record at least 11 hits in a three-game span, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Cabrera had at least three hits in each game during a three-game series against the Indians, which started Friday. He went 11 for 14 (.786) with one double, two home runs, four runs and six RBI against Cleveland. He also had one walk, one strikeout and one stolen base.

Anthopoulos: Blue Jays will continue to field trade offers for Navarro
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:04 am ET) General manager Alex Anthopoulos said the Blue Jays will continue to field trade offers for catcher Dioner Navarro, but it doesn’t appear anything is imminent, per Sportsnet.ca.

“If we have any trade discussions on anybody, that’s not something we’re going to advertise,” he said. “But like I said, if there’s an opportunity to get him an everyday job we’ll look to do that, same thing we said in spring training. If that doesn’t present itself, we’re thrilled to have him. He’s a great player that makes us a lot stronger and we’re deep having him on the team.”

Phillies move Odubel Herrera to No. 2 slot in lineup Monday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10:00 am ET) Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera is batting second in Monday’s matchup with the Mets.

Herrera hit second on Opening Day but was slotted sixth and seventh in the team’s last two games after serving as a bench player for a three-game stretch. He’s 3 for 9 with a walk, a double and two RBI in his last two games.

The Phillies are heavy underdogs (+150) in New York Monday for the Mets’ home opener.

Blue Jays’ Anthopoulos: Santana to be re-evaluated at end of April
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:48 am ET) Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said starting pitcher Johan Santana (shoulder) continues to progress “a little bit slower than expected” on his throwing program, per Sportsnet.ca. Still, Toronto has no timetable for his return.

“We’ll re-evaluate him at the end of the month,” Anthopoulos said.

Marlins’ Don Kelly, Jeff Mathis likely headed to disabled list
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9:42 am ET) The Marlins are expected to announce two roster moves Monday after infielder Don Kelly and catcher Jeff Mathis both fractured their right ring fingers Sunday, the Palm Beach Post reports.

“We talked about keeping guys healthy all spring and we were able to do it,” manager Mike Redmond said Sunday. “It’s one of those things in baseball that happens. Unfortunately, it happened on the same day to two guys. We’ve got to be able to pick up, patch it together and move on.”

Mathis believes he will be out four-to-six weeks while recovering. Kelly is expected to see a hand specialist.

Blue Jays’ Doubront could be pitching at Triple-A by end of April
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:39 am ET) Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos is hopeful pitcher Felix Doubront, who is working on strengthening his shoulder, will be able to join the roster at Triple-A Buffalo by the end of April, according to Sportsnet.ca.

“He’s doing well, starting to build up,” Anthopoulos said. “The reports are that he’s doing well, so he should be getting back. We’ll get him stretched out to be able to start, but he’s on track and I would hope by the end of the month [he can join Triple-A Buffalo].”