MLB | News & Notes

Mets: New general manager Sandy Alderson said the lawsuit against Fred Wilpon and the rest of the team owners filed by the trustee trying to recover money for the victims of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme should not affect operations at camp. Speaking as pitchers and catchers reported for their first spring training under new manager Terry Collins, Alderson also said “it’s unlikely” any contract extension talks with shortstop Jose Reyes would take place during spring training. Alderson would like to see Reyes play during the season first.

Padres: Closer Heath Bell is sidelined by a strained left calf. Bell, second in the NL with 47 saves last season, said he missed Tuesday’s bullpen session for precautionary reasons one day after he injured himself while running during the team’s first workout. Bell said Tuesday afternoon that the injury improved enough in 24 hours for him to think he can return to the mound quickly but he isn’t as certain about when he’ll run again.

Mariners: Seattle, which shares its spring training home with San Diego, said Ken Griffey Jr. is returning to the Mariners as a special consultant less than a year after abruptly retiring from baseball, the team said Tuesday. Griffey’s role is still being defined, but he’ll be involved with the Mariners at spring training and the regular season, along with visiting most of the Mariners minor-league affiliates.

Associated Press