Susan Slusser of SF Gate has the scoop on Barry Zito's return to the mound this afternoon, after a year off following one of the richest if not one of the more unwise pitcher contracts ran out following the 2013 season in San Francisco. The 36 year old '02 AL Cy Young winner pitched two innings, allowed two earned runs, two hits, and struck out two. Zito is hoping to land the 5th starter job with his former club.
Tough news for Hunter Pence this afternoon after getting hit by a pitch from Corey Black of the Cubs. According to Alex Pavlovic of CSNBayArea.com, Pence suffered a fractured left forearm and will miss 6-8 weeks. Pence had not missed a game for two seasons.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Dodgers are continuing shopping outfielder Andre Ethier who is among a rather crowded outfield even after the Matt Kemp trade. To sweeten the pot, L.A. is offering to eat half the money left.
Mike DiGiovanna and Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times have reported that a panel reviewing Josh Hamilton's fate in the wake of his latest relapse, failed to come to a conclusion on discipline and the situation now lies in the hands of an arbitrator.
Infielder and Cuban defector Hector Olivera may have UCL damage that requires Tommy John Surgery writes Jeff Passon of Yahoo Sports. Obviously the red flag showed up during physicals which could impact any impending deal he may have had. He'd likely miss the 2015 season though the recovery time isn't as long as it would be were he a pitcher.
UPDATE: Ben Badler of Baseball America tweets that Olivera's people have denied the report.
Another bad Tommy John story comes from the Tigers who released pitcher Joel Hanrahan following his decision to undergo the procedure. This is Hanrahan's second time getting the surgery and his career, which has been plagued with injury, seems in doubt at this point.
A quick Phillies note: They announced today that Seth Rosin and Mike Nessith have been added to major league camp. Rosin did get some big league time as a Rule 5 draft pick last season with the Dodgers and Texas before being returned to Philadelphia.
