LEADING OFF: Desmond stuck in no-fly zone, Reds try bunting

By foxsports
Published

A look at what's happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona today:

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NO-FLY ZONE

New Texas left fielder Ian Desmond still hasn't caught a flyball in 15 innings over three games at his new spot. The Rangers recently signed the former Washington shortstop and shifted his position.

''I'm going to get a flyball before this is over,'' he said. ''I don't care if I have to go out here on a Little League field; I'm going to find a flyball in left field.''

BREAK OUT THE BUNTING

Reds power hitters Joey Votto and Jay Bruce have both beaten overshifted infields with bunt singles this week. More of that might be coming, too.

''It's been a focus,'' Cincinnati manager Bryan Price said. ''The way teams want to defend them with shifts. It's nice to see their hard work rewarded.''

OH FOR O's

The Orioles are the only team without a win this spring. Baltimore is 0-7-1, with Miguel Gonzalez set to face the Red Sox. South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim is 0-fer with the O's, hitless in 18 at-bats so far.

BIG ARM BACK?

Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez, who missed all of 2015 after Tommy John surgery in April, is scheduled to start and play two innings against the Orioles in his first game action since he injured his elbow. Vazquez had one of the strongest arms in baseball before the surgery and has caught 52 percent (15 of 29) of would-be base stealers in his big league career.

BATMAN BEGINS

Mets ace Matt Harvey faces Atlanta in his first start of spring training following a successful return last season after Tommy John surgery. Harvey set a career high with 189 1-3 innings in 2015. His 2.50 ERA since the start of 2013 is second among qualified pitchers in the majors, trailing only Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw.

REYES WAITS

There's no timetable for when Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes will play. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says he won't decide on discipline for the All-Star until after the domestic violence case involving Reyes is resolved. Reyes is scheduled for a trial April 4 on a charge he abused his wife in October.