This blog has been miserable lately - too much negative news - so let's start with some positives today. Orioles 3B Manny Machado (knee) ran some 90-foot sprints on Monday; today's he'll increase the distance and possibly run the bases, according to the team's website. If that goes well, Machado figures to play in a few extended spring training games before going on a rehab assignment. It's possible that he could be back before the end of the month.
Reds' closer Aroldis Chapman threw off a mound Monday for the first time since his head injury. Cincinnati.com reports that Chapman will throw "several more bullpen sessions" before facing live hitters. Still, this is progress, and an early-to-mid May return seems possible.
Mariners SP Hisashi Iwakuma (finger) will throw another bullpen session today, and might head out on a rehab assignment next week. If Iwakuma makes three rehab starts - I'm speculating on that - a return around May 10 could be in the cards. Fellow Mariner Taijuan Walker (shoulder) starts at Triple A tonight, and could make his next start with the M's.
On to the rest of the news:
Braves' closer Craig Kimbrel is day-to-day with shoulder soreness, but the team says it's not serious. Let's hope they're right.
Good news for the Red Sox, as 2B Dustin Pedroia's wrist probably won't require a DL stint, though he might not play tonight. Also, closer Koji Uehara's shoulder issue apparently isn't serious, and he's day-to-day.
Recently-demoted A's closer Jim Johnson had his second straight strong outing on Monday. Luke Gregerson saved the game, but Johnson will have that job back in no time.
Streaming starters: Eric Stults wasn't so good last night, so we're down to 8-6 for the season. Today's pick is San Diego's Robbie Erlin (owned in 1.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Rockies, while Wednesday's selection is Tyler Skaggs (18.6 percent owned) versus the A's.
Nationals OF Bryce Harper left Monday's game with a quad injury, but expects to play tonight. In other Nats' news, SP Doug Fister's rehab is going well, and he could return in 2-3 weeks.
Rockies OF Michael Cuddyer is day-to-day after leaving Monday's game with a bruised shoulder.
The Mets could be without OFs Curtis Granderson (soreness after crashing into fence) and Juan Lagares (hamstring) tonight. Lagares might end up on the DL.
It's official: Rays SP Matt Moore will have Tommy John surgery. We'll see him again in mid-2015.
The D-backs have sent struggling Trevor Cahill to the bullpen.
My friend Adam Meyer will host a one-hour fantasy baseball chat tonight at 7 p.m. ET. Stop by if you can.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
