Major League Baseball

LEADING OFF: Wainwright to get on mound for simulated game

Published Mar. 15, 2015 9:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

A look at the highlights of what's happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona today:

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SIMULATE IT

Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright, yet to make his spring debut due to an abdominal strain, is scheduled to throw a simulated game against minor leaguers. The plan is for Wainwright to throw 30 pitches or more.

THEY NEED YOU

Rangers left-hander Ross Detwiler, who bruised his right wrist Friday when he was hit by a line drive, is scheduled to throw batting practice. Texas has lost five starting pitchers to injury thus far in spring training, including ace Yu Darvish and Derek Holland.

GETTING HEALTHY

Tigers catcher Alex Avila is expected back in the lineup for Detroit's game against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Florida, after being held out since Wednesday with back soreness. Manager Brad Ausmus also hopes to have slugger Yoenis Cespedes ready to play, too. He's been sidelined with a tight quadriceps.

SMALL STEPS

Aaron Harang, scratched from two starts because of lower back discomfort, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session. Harang signed a $5 million, one-year contract with the Phillies during the offseason and has been slated to be their No. 3 starter.