Cubs’ Garza out a week
Cubs starter Matt Garza is expected to miss one week with a side muscle injury he sustained while throwing live batting practice.
Garza felt a twinge in his side on Sunday, when he faced batters for the first time since last July. He underwent an MRI on Monday which revealed a “mild strain” in his side. General manager Jed Hoyer said Garza must be pain free before he does any more throwing. Hoyer called the diagnosis good news and said Garza is in good spirits.
Garza went 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA last season, but didn’t make any starts after July 21 because of an elbow issue.
Atlanta closer an ‘ace’: Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was almost unhittable in 2012. He has bigger plans this season.
He got off to a great start on Monday when with a hole-in-one at the tough ChampionsGate Golf Club. Kimbrel lost sight of the ball on the 180-yard second hole, and figured it fell into a greenside bunker. He looked everywhere except the hole.
Kimbrel says he “couldn’t believe it,” adding, “I think it went in on the fly. It was my first one.”
Nationals’ Detwiler on USA team: Washington Nationals pitcher Ross Detwiller has had an exciting past few months.
Detwiler has gotten married, been on a USO Holiday Tour – and now the left-hander will pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
He said Tuesday that it’s “been a pretty good offseason,” adding, “I think I’m peaking a little early here. I don’t think I’m going to be able to top this one.”
The 26-year-old Detwiler will be the second Nationals pitcher to play for Team USA, joining Gio Gonzalez.
Twins’ Worley could be No. 1 starter: Vance Worley managed to become a fan favorite in Philadelphia despite pitching on a staff that included Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.
Now with the Minnesota Twins, the 25-year-old Californian will have a chance to stand out again. In fact, he could end up being the team’s opening day starter.
The Twins made wholesale changes to their starting rotation, which was a mess last year aside from left-hander Scott Diamond. Worley was acquired in December when Minnesota sent outfielder Ben Revere to the Phillies, and he could be the Twins’ top starter if Diamond isn’t healthy by the opener.
Yankees pitcher Hughes has back stiffness: Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes has upper back stiffness and will be sidelined for a few days.
Hughes was hurt Monday during a defensive drill covering first base.
Says manager Joe Girardi: “There’s always a little bit of concern, but it’s upper back by his shoulder blades, so we’ll see how he is in a couple days.”