LEADING OFF: Sweeping out the KC bee swarm, O's try again

By foxsports
Published

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

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WHAT A SURPRISE

A split squad of Royals host Milwaukee, a day after a swarm of bees descended on Surprise Stadium and briefly delayed the game between Kansas City and Colorado. Manager Ned Yost said no one was stung.

''They're not going to mess with you, just don't mess with them,'' Yost said. ''Kind of like the Royals, don't mess with us and we won't mess with you.''

JOHNNY ON THE SPOT

Johnny Cueto pitches his first game with the Giants after signing a $130 million, six-year contract in December. The right-hander will face the Rockies after having his turn skipped Saturday. San Francisco is reducing his early workload after Cueto pitched in the World Series with Kansas City last season.

STARTING OUT

Yovani Gallardo makes his debut for the Orioles, having signed with them as a free agent after spring camp had already opened. He's made at least 30 starts in seven straight years. He pitches against a Phillies split squad - Baltimore is 0-8-1 in exhibition play so far.

READY?

Cardinals star catcher Yadier Molina could start against the Marlins. Still nursing an injured thumb that needed offseason surgery, he is expected to work behind the plate but not bat.

WE'LL SEE

Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson is expected to play against the Yankees after being out for a week because of an eye problem. ''He put his contacts in today, so we'll see how he reacts,'' manager Terry Collins said. ''But right now, he's in the lineup.''

ALL ACES

Among the top pitchers in action are NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta in his spring debut for the Cubs vs. Cleveland, AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel of the Astros vs. Atlanta and new Diamondbacks star Zack Greinke vs. San Diego.

CAN'T SEE HIM

White Sox star Chris Sale is likely to face Oakland on opening day April 4 at the Coliseum. So rather than give the A's a free look now in an exhibition play, he'll pitch a simulated game in the morning.

NEED SOMEONE

Phillies outfielder Aaron Altherr is having surgery on his left wrist, which he injured diving for a ball last week. He was the front-runner to start in right on opening day. Among the candidates to take the spot is Cody Asche, who has started to hit in his slow return from a right oblique injury.