Cleveland Indians

Cleveland Indians

Clevinger allows two runs in second start

Tempe, Ariz.

Mike Clevinger made his second start for Cleveland, pitching four innings and allowing two runs. Roberto Perez had a double and two singles.

Albert Pujols got another hit and is batting .414 for Los Angeles. Trevor Cahill started for the fourth time, pitching four innings and giving up two earned runs on four hits and a walk.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Stewart drives in three in Tigers win

Lakeland, Fla.

Christin Stewart hit a two-run homer and an RBI single for Detroit. Grayson Greiner doubled and singled. Matt Moore made his fifth start, pitching 4 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on three hits and two walks.

Chris Archer went just three innings in his third start for Pittsburgh, yielding four runs on six hits and a walk.

Philadelphia Phillies

Harper sits out game with bruised ankle

CLEARWATER, Fla.

Bryce Harper was out of the Philadelphia Phillies lineup for Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros, one day after sustaining a bruised right ankle when hit by a pitch.

Manager Gabe Kapler says he has no concerns about Harper being ready for opening day on March 28 against the Atlanta Braves. X-rays were negative and Harper is listed as day to day.

Harper was struck by a 96-mph fastball from Toronto rookie Trent Thornton in the sixth inning of Friday’s game.

The slugging outfielder clutched his ankle and stayed on the ground for a few moments. Harper was checked by a trainer, limped toward the dugout with assistance and hobbled toward the clubhouse.

Chicago White Sox

Prospect Jimenez sent to minors

GLENDALE, Ariz.

Eloy Jimenez, the centerpiece of a trade made in 2017 that sent pitcher Jose Quintana across town to the Cubs, has been the subject of speculation as to his arrival in the big leagues.

The 22-year-old outfielder, ranked as the No. 3 prospect overall by Baseball America and MLB.com, wasn’t called up a year ago despite a monster season split between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte — where he’ll start the 2019 season. He hit a combined .337 with 22 homers and 28 doubles in 456 at-bats.

This spring, Jimenez hit .154 with two doubles and a home run in Cactus League play.

He struck out nine times and did not draw a walk, going 4 for 26 overall.

St. Louis Cardinals

Relaxed Wong finally comfortable in role

JUPITER, Fla.

Going into spring training, St. Louis manager Mike Shildt delivered the message second baseman Kolten Wong always wanted to hear.

Wong, the Cardinals’ starting second baseman, wouldn’t have to prove himself. He didn’t have to be perfect.

Last year’s midseason managerial change relaxed Wong.

A career .255 hitter over six seasons with an above-average glove, the 28-year-old Wong hit no better than .210 in any one of the three months prior to Matheny’s firing and no worse than .280 in any month that followed.

Unafraid of making mistakes, he’s looking to take the extra base. At the plate, he’s able to work on his swing or situational hitting without feeling the pressure produce statistically.

Wong is hitting .269 with a homer, a double and two stolen bases in Grapefruit League play.

Associated Press