MARLINS: Mark Hendrickson was chosen by manager Fredi Gonzalez to start the Florida Marlins’ season opener March 31 against the New York Mets at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.
Through four starts this spring, the 33-year-old, who played at Mount Vernon High School and Washington State, has a 1.69 ERA. Through 16 innings, he has allowed 15 hits, two earned runs, walked two and struck out nine. In his last outing, March 18 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 6-foot-9 lefty gave up three hits in six scoreless innings.
One of 11 players to suit up in both the NBA and Major League Baseball, Hendrickson was 4-8 with a 5.21 ERA for the Dodgers in 2007. He signed a $1.5 million, one-year deal with the Marlins in January.
BRAVES: Three-time All-Star Javy Lopez retired after being reassigned to Atlanta’s minor league camp, ending his bid to return to the majors as a backup catcher.
Lopez, who sat out all of last season, decided against trying to extend his 15-year career in the minors. He batted only .188 this spring in his attempt to become Brian McCann’s backup.
A’S: Chad Gaudin made his second start of the spring in a Triple-A game against the Los Angeles Angels. He threw 56 pitches — 38 for strikes.
His teammates are in Japan, playing exhibition games against Japanese teams before opening the season at Tokyo Dome on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox.
Gaudin is expected to make another start on Thursday with the Athletics Triple-A team before joining them for the Bay Bridge Series in San Francisco the following day.
CUBS: So much for tinkering with the batting order. Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella said that Kosuke Fukudome will bat fifth, Alfonso Soriano will remain in the second spot and, barring a trade, the opening day lineup is set.
Those comments came a day after the manager said he might try batting the struggling Fukudome second before camp breaks. But after sleeping on it, the manager gave up on that plan. Having Fukudome bat fifth gives the Cubs a left-handed batter in the middle of the lineup and, Piniella said, more protection for Aramis Ramirez.
“I thought about it last night,” Piniella said. “I think right now with the way we’re situated, Fukudome offers the best protection for Ramirez.”
If the anticipated deal with Baltimore for Brian Roberts goes through, the Cubs would have a new leadoff hitter and other adjustments to make.
YANKEES: Second baseman Robinson Cano didn’t start Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays because of back stiffness. Cano is expected to play in today’s game against Pittsburgh. New York left-hander Andy Pettitte was scratched from a minor league start Saturday due to back spasms. He is expected to make his next start Thursday.
Former Yankees third baseman Graig Nettles will undergo surgery for prosate cancer early next month.
ORIOLES: Baltimore manager Dave Trembley chose Jeremy Guthrie to start March 31 against Tampa Bay, rewarding him for a breakthrough 2007 with the opening day assignment at Camden Yards.
Associated Press
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