Minors likely to face delay
Altoona may be alternate camp
It looks like Altoona could reprise its role as the Pirates’ alternate training site in 2021 after a report published Tuesday night by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
According to Passan, the Class AAA season — originally expected to start April 6 — likely will to be pushed back a month, into the first week of May. The Pittsburgh Post- Gazette subsequently confirmed the belief that the minor league season would be delayed.
As a result, major league teams are expected to keep players nearby at satellite camps, the same as they did in 2020. Around two dozen are expected to be at each site, per Passan.
Working out at the alternate training site allowed prospects and older players to stay fresh in advance of a possible promotion to the big leagues during the 2020 season.
That would have been accomplished with Class AAA going. However, with the delay, this became necessary.
The Pirates will have four minor league clubs this season per MLB’s revamped structure: Class AAA Indianapolis, Class AA Altoona, High- A Greensboro and Low-A Bradenton.
Diamondbacks
Arizona starting right fielder Kole Calhoun will have surgery Wednesday on his right knee because of a medial meniscus tear. Manager Torey Lovullo said Tuesday that he wasn’t sure whether the injury would cause Calhoun to miss opening day on April 1. The manager said the injury occurred during offseason training and nagging pain led Calhoun to have an MRI.
Cubs
Chicago finalized an $800,000, one-year contract with reliever Ryan Tepera, a deal that allows him to earn up to $1.75 million, and designated right- hander Duane Underwood Jr. for assignment. Tepera can earn $800,000 in performance bonuses for games pitched.
Twins
Eager for a fresh start with a new team, J.A. Happ needed to slow down before throwing a single pitch for Minnesota. The left- hander tested positive for COVID-19 upon reporting to spring training, putting his practice schedule on hold. Happ cleared virus protocols Tuesday and took part in team workouts in Fort Myers, Fla.
Nationals
Max Scherzer and Juan Soto should make their delayed Grapefruit League debuts this week for Washington after recovering from injuries.