Been waiting for Taijuan Walker to return to the Mariners? Prepare to wait awhile longer. After getting scratched from his Tuesday rehab start due to shoulder tightness, Walker has been shut down for two weeks. After that, he'll presumably throw off flat ground ... followed by bullpen sessions ... followed by more rehab starts. Even if all goes well, you shouldn't expect to see Walker before late May.
On to the rest of the news:
Angels OF Kole Calhoun will miss 4-6 weeks with a sprained ankle. In Calhoun's absence, the Angels plan to use a Brennan Boesch/Colin Cowgill platoon in right field, with J.B. Shuck starting in left field on most days.
I know he only faced the Cubs yesterday, but I really need to order my Masahiro Tanaka jersey. Check out the highlights in the video clip on the right.
Streaming starters: Tyler Skaggs didn't get it done for us last night, so our record is down to 8-8 for the season. Today's choice is Pittsburgh's Edinson Volquez (owned in 4.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Brewers, while Friday's pick is blog favorite Tyson Ross (12.9 percent owned) at home versus the Giants.
There's a Blue Jays-Twins doubleheader on the schedule today. Make sure to start their hitters.
Ken Rosenthal wonders if the A's will stick with a closer committee. I don't think they will - and Rosenthal seems to feel the same way - but his point is that it's more likely with the A's than almost anyone else. Luke Gregerson blew last night's save after closing a couple of games over the weekend.
Nationals OF Bryce Harper (quad) should be back in the lineup tonight after being scratched on Wednesday.
Astros OF George Springer had a hit, a walk and a run scored in his MLB debut, while striking out twice and getting caught stealing. Springer batted second in the order, which is nice.
Padres 3B Chase Headley is day-to-day with a sore knee.
Phillies SP Cole Hamels will make another rehab start today, and if that goes well, look for him to make his 2014 debut against the Dodgers next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Red Sox 1B Mike Napoli is still day-to-day with a dislocated left index finger.
Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez was hit in the hand by a pitch last night, and his status for today is TBD.
It sounds like Craig Kimbrel (shoulder) should be ready to close again for the Braves today or tomorrow.
Did you anticipate Robinson Chirinos sharing the Rangers' catching duties with J.P. Arencibia after Geovany Soto got hurt? Me neither.
Due to Bruce Chen's stiff back, the Royals have adjusted their rotation, and will start James Shields today.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
