Tim Lincecum struggled in his first start of spring training, giving up three runs and failing to get through two innings Tuesday for the San Francisco Giants in an 8-8 tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale, Ariz.
Josh Beckett struck out three in two scoreless innings for Los Angeles.
Coming off a season in which he faltered as a starter but thrived out of the bullpen during the Giants’ run to a World Series title, the two-time Cy Young Award winner and former University of Washington star allowed four hits in 1 innings.
PUJOLS READY TO RUN
Albert Pujols is nearly ready to start running on the field in the Los Angeles Angels slugger’s deliberate recovery from offseason surgery on his right knee.
Pujols is taking batting practice and running on a treadmill at spring training, and he participated in fielding drills Tuesday. He’s expected to start running on the field later this week. The $240 million first baseman isn’t expected to play in a Cactus League game until mid-March, but Angels manager Mike Scioscia has no doubt Pujols will be ready for opening day.
INJURY UNDER WRAPS
Outfielder Michael Brantley reported to the Cleveland Indians’ clubhouse wearing a protective wrap on his left forearm. It covered the area where Brantley got 15 stitches following a play in which he was accidentally spiked by Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson on Monday after trying to stretch a double into a triple.
Donaldson, who is off to a hot start, has an .833 batting average (5-for-6) with four doubles and two RBI in three exhibition games.
PROMISES, PROMISES …
Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria’s three-day public relations campaign to patch things up with angry fans was brought to a head during an interview session that included several testy exchanges before the owner cut it short. He reiterated previous comments regarding the payroll purge, saying it wasn’t about money but about improving the farm system.
Fans are upset that after only one season of big spending in a new ballpark built with contributions from tax dollars, the Marlins have reverted to their tight budgets of the past.
This year’s payroll is expected to be less than $45 million, compared with $90 million in 2012. Loria denied that he reneged on any promise, noting the Marlins finished last in the NL East with their biggest payroll ever.
EXTRA BASES
Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon McCarthy faces the Reds today in his first appearance in a game since he was struck in the head by a line drive on Sept. 2 while pitching with the Athletics. McCarthy was hospitalized with an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture. ... Indians manager Terry Francona has named right-hander Justin Masterson as his opening-day starter April 2 at Toronto. ... Orioles right-hander Jason Hammel, a South Kitsap High graduate who missed much of the second half of the season after having surgery on his right knee, is scheduled to start Friday against the Pirates.
innings of work Tuesday against the Dodgers.
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