MLB notebook: Rangers plan no at-bats for Wilson

The Texas Rangers have no plans to put Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson at the plate.

Manager Ron Washington said Thursday it’s not a good idea to let Wilson hit in an exhibition game. Washington said Wilson hasn’t seen any pitches and that it’s too risky to have him bat.

The Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback is set to be at spring training Monday in Surprise, Ariz. and the former minor league second baseman might take part in infield drills. Washington says he wants Wilson to just enjoy his day at the ballpark.

Wilson is expected to participate in a team workout and then be in uniform for the game against Cleveland.

The quarterback played 93 games over two seasons in Colorado’s minor leagues. He didn’t play above the Class A level in 2010 and 2011.

Texas selected Wilson from the Rockies in the Triple-A portion of baseball’s draft at the winter meetings in December.

Jeter makes spring debut

Derek Jeter got a partial standing ovation before going hitless in two at-bats in the first spring training game of his final season, a New York Yankees’ 8-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in Tampa, Fla. The 40-year-old shortstop, who has announced his plans to retire, hit into a double play and grounded out.

Greinke pulled early

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke left his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Glendale, Ariz. after throwing just four pitches because of a mild right calf strain. The Dodgers won 4-3. The teams will open the regular season with two games in Sydney, Australia March 22-23. Greinke has said he has “zero interest” in making the trip.

Braun homers in return

Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat for the Milwaukee Brewers since completing a season-ending, 65-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s anti-drug agreement. The Brewers beat Oakland 11-3 in Phoenix. Braun, who accepted his suspension July 22 for his involvement with Biogenesis, homered in the first inning off of Tommy Milone.

Clearing the bases

The New York Mets say an MRI on pitcher Jon Niese’s ailing left shoulder did not show any major problems. Projected to be the Mets’ opening-day starter, Niese had been scratched from his opening exhibition start, against Houston on Tuesday, and replaced by Zack Wheeler. … The Oakland Athletics acquired infielder Jake Elmore from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations. In a corresponding move, the A’s designated infielder Andy Parrino for assignment. … Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford was scratched from playing against the Diamondbacks because of tightness in his right quadriceps. Crawford likely won’t play today against the White Sox or participate in any running drills until the leg feels better.