Yankees LHP Damaso Marte, hit in the right lower back by a liner off the bat of Philadelphia's Ryan Howard on Wednesday, expects to pitch again in the next day or two. Read More

According to MLB.com, the Blue Jays optioned 1B Brian Dopirak to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday. "(Randy) Ruiz was a little bit ahead of [Dopirak] from what he did last year when he came up," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. "He continued to hit the ball this spring." Gaston added that Dopirak had been swinging a little bit better, but that he wanted to get him some playing time down in the minors. Read More

Derek Jeter: Jeter was seen flexing his hand after diving for a ball in Thursday's spring training game against the Rays, the Associated Press reports.Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update. Read More

Mat Gamel: Gamel has been diagnosed with a slight tear in his right lat muscle, behind his right shoulder, the Associated Press reports.Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update. Read More

Rays OF Matt Joyce, who has been sidelined for about a week with a sore right elbow, was the DH in a Triple-A game on Thursday. According to the Tampa Tribune, he might not return to the field until late next week. Read More

Rays OF Carl Crawford knew what to expect before his team played the Yankees on Thursday night: A crowd of New York writers were waiting to talk to him about the possibility he'll become one of the most appealing free agents in baseball after the 2010 season. "They say it's going to be like that," Crawford said. "It comes with the territory. You've got to answer those questions and I'm fine with that." The Rays and Crawford are not expected to resume contract negotiations until after the season, which is already causing speculation about the Yankees making a serious bid should the three-time AL All-Star opt for free agency. "My mind is still, I'm a Tampa Bay Ray," Crawford said. "I don't even think past this year. I don't really want my mind to think that far. Really, I focus on the things I normally do and that's about it. Keep it simple." Read More

Yankees SS Derek Jeter hit a two-run double in the second inning Thursday against the Rays before giving his team a scare. He flexed his throwing hand several times after diving for a ball in the fourth inning but remained in the game. "He said 'My hand is fine.' He'll play tomorrow," manager Joe Girardi said. He finished 2 for 3 with two RBI and is batting .269 (7 for 26). Read More

Yankees SP Javier Vazquez went three innings for the second straight start Thursday against the Rays, allowing one run and two hits. He had three strikeouts and two walks. "I got some work in, threw 62, 63 pitches," Vazquez said. "Next time hopefully throw more innings. I feel pretty good. Just got out of my mechanics a few times, especially with the fastball." Read More

Rays 1B Carlos Pena snapped an 0 for 21 slide with a second-inning solo homer Thursday at the Yankees. He went 1 for 3. Read More

The News Hong-Chih Kuo is hoping to return to the mound as soon as Friday night, according to the Los Angeles Times. Our View Kuo has been dealing with elbow soreness, but fared fine while throwing a bullpen session yesterday. He notably missed significant time in 2009 with elbow issues, so he remains a risky prospect for fantasy leagues as a long-reliever. Read More

Rockies SP Jason Hammel, who has not walked a batter in 14 innings this spring, struck out six and allowed just one run on four hits in five innings Thursday at the Mariners, dropping his ERA to 1.93. He is slated to be Colorado's No. 5 starter. Read More

According to MLB.com, Cubs SP Ted Lilly (shoulder) threw to hitters for the first time on Thursday and could be ready for the rotation by mid-April. "I have to show that I can not only go out there and throw but show that I'm going to be of some help to the team, too," Lilly said. He appears to be optimistic on his arm so far. "I feel pretty darn good," Lilly said. "The most important thing is when you get up there on the mound. I haven't thrown any breaking balls. It's a different deal when you're throwing bullpens or even [batting practice] as opposed to getting in a game and working out of a jam. The intensity goes up quite a bit [in a game]." It does appear the Cubs are going to take things slow with Lilly. "We don't want to rush him to the point where we can hurt him," Piniella said. "We don't want to rush him to the point where we can hurt him," manager Lou Piniella said. Read More