Single is Tebow’s first hit
Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow got his first hit Monday as a member of the New York Mets, a single against Miami Marlins lefthander Kyle Lobstein in a spring- training game in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Tebow had been hitless in his first eight spring atbats before his opposite- field single on a 2- 2 pitch leading off the bottom of the fifth inning. He then was erased on a double- play grounder.
Tebow, who wasn’t made available to the media after the game, also made a diving catch in left field to rob the Marlins’ Justin Bour of a hit in the second inning.
Tebow’s appearance in the lineup was a surprise. On Friday, Mets manager Terry Collins said there were no plans to bring him back after his second start.
But the Mets needed players because of the World Baseball Classic and multiple split- squad games and opted to have Tebow join them from their minor- league camp.
Bad news for DeSclafani
Cincinnati Reds righthander Anthony DeSclafani is expected to begin the season on the disabled list because of a sprained ligament in his pitching elbow.
Reds general manager Dick Williams said DeSclafani will be shut down for up to a month. An MRI exam performed in Cincinnati revealed a sprained ulnar collateral ligament.
‘‘ It will certainly impact his ability to start the season on the active roster,’’ Williams said. ‘‘ I anticipate him opening the season on the disabled list. We will be working with him when he returns to Arizona to get a treatment plan in place.’’
DeSclafani missed the start of last season with a strained oblique muscle on his left side. He returned to post a 9- 5 record and a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts.
Desmond needs surgery
Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond will have surgery Wednesday to repair the broken right hand he suffered when he was hit by a pitch in a spring game Sunday against the Reds. The Rockies didn’t announce a timetable for his return.
The Rockies signed Desmond to a five- year, $ 70 million contract in December. He is making the transition to first base after entering the majors as a shortstop and playing in the outfield last season with the Texas Rangers.
Travis’ status remains iffy
The Toronto Blue Jays still are unsure about second baseman Devon Travis’ status for Opening Day. He has been slowed by a bone bruise in his right knee after having offseason surgery on the same joint to remove a small flap of cartilage.
Travis has been taking batting practice and might get some at- bats as a designated hitter in minor- league games this week.