LEADING OFF: Cain tests ankle and elbow in 1st spring start

By foxsports
Published

A look at the highlights of what's happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona on Monday:

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ON THE MEND

San Francisco's Matt Cain makes his spring training debut against the Dodgers in Scottsdale, Arizona. Coming back from ankle and elbow operations, Cain hasn't pitched since July 9, missing out on the Giants' World Series run.

FUTURE ACE

Angels top prospect Andrew Heaney will make his debut for Los Angeles against Cincinnati at Goodyear, Arizona. The left-hander was acquired in December from the Dodgers for Howie Kendrick a few hours after the Dodgers got Heaney from Miami. He is expected to compete for the final starting rotation spot with Hector Santiago and Nick Tropeano.

ANOTHER STUD

Yet another ace makes his spring debut for the pitching-rich Washington Nationals. This time it's Gio Gonzalez's turn to start, facing Atlanta in Viera, Florida. A 20-game winner in 2012, the left-hander could be slotted fourth in the rotation behind Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg.

LET'S GET IT RIGHT

Ricky Nolasco, looking to atone for a disappointing first season with Minnesota, makes his spring debut Monday vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Florida. Nolasco went 6-12 with a 5.38 ERA in the first season of a four-year deal.