BASEBALL ROUNDUP | News and notes

Indians: The only spot up for grabs in Cleveland's bullpen became a three-way race Wednesday when the Indians optioned right-hander Andrew Brown to Buffalo. Brown had been competing with Steve Karsay, Danny Graves and Jason Davis to become one of seven relievers on Cleveland's staff. The Indians also optioned right-hander Fausto Carmona to the Bisons. In any other year, the 22-year-old would have made Cleveland's rotation after his performance in camp. However, the Indians have five starters under contract and Carmona got caught in a numbers game. Carmona went 1-0 with 0.75 ERA in four games. In his final outing this spring, he pitched three scoreless innings and struck out four Yankees. He allowed just one run in 12 innings overall. As for the Karsay-Graves-Davis tussle, manager Eric Wedge hopes the club will be closer to a decision after this weekend.
Pirates: Oliver Perez is scheduled to be the first Pittsburgh pitcher to start on consecutive opening days since Francisco Cordova in 1998 and 1999. Only a few days ago, he wouldn't have expected such an honor. Zach Duke figured to be the April 3 starter in Milwaukee, but manager Jim Tracy felt that would be putting unnecessary pressure on a 22-year-old who wasn't in the majors on opening day a year ago. So Tracy chose Perez, who also started last year's opener against the Brewers.
Royals: Kansas City will host the All-Star game sometime between 2010 and 2014 if voters approve a sales tax to fund Kauffman Stadium upgrades. Royals owner David Glass announced that commissioner Bud Selig had promised Kansas City an All-Star game if the ballpark renovations are made.
Yankees: Catcher Jorge Posada broke his nose when he was hit in the face by a ball while playing catch. Posada was scratched from the starting lineup for Wednesday night's game against Boston, and X-rays revealed a nasal fracture. Posada was to remain in the hospital overnight and was expected to be released this morning. Yankees manager Joe Torre said Posada had minor swelling above his left eye and was bleeding from the nose, but his vision was fine. Posada was playing catch with backup catcher Kelly Stinnett when he was hit by the ball. Center fielder Johnny Damon, slowed by left shoulder tendinitis, is set to play the field for the first time today since being hurt during the World Baseball Classic. He was the designated hitter Wednesday in his first game against his former team.
Mets: Pedro Martinez expects to miss opening day because of a nagging toe injury. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has not pitched in a spring training game yet due to a sore right big toe and doesn't think he will be ready to start the season opener April 3 against the Nationals at Shea Stadium. Left-hander Tom Glavine, who turns 40 on Saturday, will likely start the opener for the Mets.
Associated Press