Indians’ Brantley making progress
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — For most teams, seeing an All-Star get two hits in a spring training game would be no big deal. For the Cleveland Indians, watching Michael Brantley swing back into action meant something.
Coming off a year almost totally lost to shoulder trouble, Brantley singled twice, drove in a run and scored once Monday for the Indians in a 14-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I am excited,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “He’s worked so hard. I know that playing in a game isn’t the end of the road. I’m excited for him. I’m excited potentially for us.
“I think we have to temper that this is not the destination. It is still part of where he’s going. He’s come an awful long way. Everyone around him has kind of been raving about how he looks.”
The 29-year-old outfielder is cautiously optimistic about his return to the starting lineup for the AL champions.
“I feel good,” Brantley said. “This is another step in the process.”
Yanks’ Gregorius hurts shoulder
New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has a bruised right shoulder, ending his time at the World Baseball Classic and leaving his status for opening day in doubt.
It is not certain how or when Gregorius got hurt while helping the Netherlands reach the semifinals of the WBC. He hit .348, driving in eight runs and scoring five in the tournament.
Feldman to start opener for Reds
The Cincinnati Reds chose newcomer Scott Feldman to start on opening day against the Philadelphia Phillies.
It will be the third opening day start for the 33-year-old Feldman. The righthander also opened seasons for the Rangers in 2010 and the Astros in 2014.
Injuries have depleted the Reds’ rotation for the second straight spring training. Homer Bailey had surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow and is expected to miss the first two months of the season. Anthony DeSclafani, who was in line to start the opener, will go on the disabled list with a sore pitching elbow.
Feldman signed a oneyear deal with the Reds on Jan. 26 that guarantees him $2.3 million. He has a chance to make an additional $2.2 million based on starts.
Tebow assigned to Class A team
Tim Tebow’s next team on his baseball journey will be the Columbia Fireflies. The former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback will start the regular season with the New York Mets’ Class A club in South Carolina.
Tebow, 29, is hitting .235 with four hits in 17 at-bats for the Mets this spring. The outfielder will wear his football number, No. 15, with the Fireflies.
Jays’ Donaldson returns to action
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson made his spring debut, going 0-for-2 with a walk in his first game since injuring his right calf more than a month ago.