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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Young Yaz makes his debut for Orioles

Tim Hudson made his first start since breaking his ankle July 24. (Associated Press)

The Hall of Famer in a Red Sox warmup jersey met the Orioles rookie wearing No. 85 behind the cage during batting practice.

They hugged, sharing an embrace and something else – one of the most recognizable names in baseball history.

A couple hours later, Carl Yastrzemski sat in the stands for another special moment Sunday. His grandson, Mike, played his first major league spring training game and scored a run for Baltimore in an 8-6 loss to Boston in Fort Myers, Fla.

“It means a lot,” the elder Yastrzemski said. “Just proves that a lot of hard work will take you a long way. He’s worked hard all his life. He wanted to be a player and he put the time and effort into it.”

Carl Yastrzemski spent his whole career in Boston. The younger Yaz was the Orioles’ 14th-round draft pick last June from Vanderbilt. He hit .273 with three homers and 25 RBIs in 57 games in short-season Class A.

The 23-year-old entered as a pinch runner in the sixth inning, scored Baltimore’s first run and then played right field.

Despite his pedigree, he said he gets no special treatment.

“The coaches all try and look at me the same as they look at any other player,” he said. “They don’t take name in the factor. If you can’t play, you’re not going to get the chance. If you’re performing, then you’re going to get up.

“As I’ve grown up and gone through more baseball and the experience, I realized I don’t get treated any differently. Everyone looks at you as a baseball player rather than the name.”

Indians double up Mariners

Nick Swisher made his spring debut for the Indians and top prospect Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer to help Cleveland beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3 in Goodyear, Ariz.

Robinson Cano got an RBI groundout in the first for Seattle.

Randy Wolf, making his first appearance since having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in October 2012, pitched two shutout innings for Seattle.

Left fielder Dustin Ackley hit a two-run homer off Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer.

Giants’ Hudson returns

Right-hander Tim Hudson made his first start since breaking his ankle on July 24, pitching two no-hit innings, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Hudson, who signed a two-year, $23 million free-agent contract over the winter, threw 27 pitches and struck out a batter.