Giants go slow with Melancon

Dying muscle tissue a cause for concern

From wire dispatches

The San Francisco Giants are taking things slow with Mark Melancon and for good reason. The “dead arm” he experienced last season — and off and on for several seasons —was just that — a dying arm.

When doctors began a surgical procedure in September to allow the muscle in his forearm to “breathe,” they found something they did not expect.

“It was actually dying off,” Melancon said.

“It had turned gray. When they went in, they literally saw it. The muscle was dying from being restricted. The doctor said he hadn’t seen that too much. … I know he was shocked,” he said.

Whilethe surgery was considered a success, there are no guarantees. Will the Giants get the closer that had 131 saves — mostly for the Pirates — from 2014-16 and earned him a $62 millioncontract? Or will they get the onewho went 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 32 appearances a season ago whilebattling his arm issues?

Angels

Prized newcomer Shohei Ohtani struggled in his spring pitching debut against Milwaukee. He allowed two runs, one earned, and two hits in 1⅓ innings — several batters less than he was expected to face. Keon Broxton tagged him for a home run leading off the second inning.

Royals

Michael Saunders, who became expendable when the Pirates traded for Corey Dickerson, signed a minor league contract with Kansas City. He will receive $1.5 million if he is put on the major league roster and could earn another $500,000 in performancebonuses.

Yankees

No one is expecting another Deion Sanders. But at least for a few days, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will be in major league camp. He is expected to join the Yankees Monday and work out for a few days. He was assigned No. 73. No. 3 — his football jersey number — was long ago taken and then retired, worn by a guy named Ruth.

Astros

Manager A.J. Hinch has a problem. And there isn’t one of the 29 other managers in the game who feels sorry for him. Seems with a rotation that includes Cy Young winners Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel, newcomer Gerrit Cole and holdover Lance McCullers, several pitchers who’ve started in the past are going to have to go to the bullpen. “Poor me to have too many starters that need to be in the rotation,” Hinch joked. That collection leaves the Astros with Charlie Morton, Brad Peacock and Collin McHugh competing for the final spot in the rotation. Mortonlikely will get the job, but Hinch didn’t say for sure that it was his. That’s fairly incredible when one considers that Morton started and won Game 7 of the ALCS with five shutout innings, then won Game 7 of the World Series.

Elsewhere

The Redsi signed one-time Pirates ace Oliver Perez to a minor league contract. ... The Twins signed veteran shortstop Erick Aybar to a minor league contract.