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

Saunders gets good news on knee injury

Associated Press

Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders has undergone surgery on his left knee and could return to the team in five to six weeks.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said from spring training in Dunedin, Florida that Saunders might be back sooner than anticipated, possibly in mid-April.

Saunders tore cartilage in his knee Wednesday when he stepped on a sprinkler while shagging fly balls on a side field at spring training. He was originally expected to be out until mid-July.

The Blue Jays got Saunders in an offseason trade with Seattle and project him as a starter this year.

Pierre retires after 14-year career; 18th all-time in steals

Outfielder Juan Pierre announced his retirement after a 14-year major-league career that included a World Series championship with the 2003 Florida Marlins. He announced his retirement in Miami at age 37.

Pierre ranks 18th in career stolen bases with 614. He was a .295 hitter who finished with 2,217 hits.

Pierre broke into the majors in 2000 with the Colorado Rockies and played for the Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers and Phillies. He batted over .300 six times, scored at least 100 runs three times and stole more than 60 bases three times.

Mets’ Harvey throws first pitches since elbow surgery

Matt Harvey drew an ovation from the crowd of 100-150 fans in Port St. Lucie, Florida and high-fives from teammates after stepping off the mound.

The New York Mets ace threw 43 pitches to David Wright, Michael Cuddyer, Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy in his first time facing hitters since elbow-ligament replacement surgery on Oct. 22, 2013. The batters tracked the pitches but didn’t swing.

Harvey, who last pitched in a major league game on Aug. 24, 2013, primarily threw fastballs but mixed in all of his pitches.

A-Rod takes grounders at first base for first time this spring

Stripped of his job at third base, Alex Rodriguez moved across the diamond and worked out at first base for the initial time with the New York Yankees.

Rodriguez fielded grounders and took part in various drills, including bunt defense, during New York’s second full-squad workout in Tampa, Florida.

Suspended for violations of baseball’s drug agreement and labor contract, Rodriguez missed all of last season.