Welcome to The Stew’s Spring Headlines, our daily look at the biggest MLB stories and news items from around spring training. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.
BIGGEST NEWS OF THE DAY: It’s lookling less likely that Jung-ho Kang will be the Pittsburgh Pirates starting third baseman on opening day. One week after receiving an eight-month suspended sentence for his third DUI in South Korea, Kang was placed on the major league restricted list on Friday. The designation comes as Kang awaits a visa for travel to the United States.
Pirates president Frank Coonelly described the move as “a procedural matter” and nothing more since there’s no clear timeline for when Kang’s visa issues will be settled.
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“It is neither a statement of pessimism nor optimism that Jung Ho will get back in time to report to Bradenton and prepare to be ready for opening day,” Coonelly told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It says nothing on that topic. It just is a reflection of the reality that he is not here today, on March 11.”
View photos
Jung Ho Kang will be on Pittsburgh’s restricted list until his visa issues are sorted out. (Getty Images)
The restricted list is for players unable to play for reasons other than injury. While on the restricted list, players do not count toward the 25- or 40-man rosters, do not accrue service time, and are typically not paid. Whether the latter applies to Kang is not immediately clear, but it’s worth noting that he’s due to make $2.75M this season. [Pittsburgh Post Gazette]
DONE DEAL: The Orioles have signed free agent Pedro Alvarez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
That might sound like an odd fit, but Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports is reporting that Alvarez will attempt to play outfield for the O’s after spending the winter making than transition. Alvarez started his career as a third baseman but has been relegated to first base mostly. He also figures to be a good designated hitter candidate. He’ll earn $2 million if he makes the big league roster and has the potential to earn an additional $3.5 million in incentives. [@JonHeyman]
UH OH: Twins right-hander Trevor May has been diagnosed with a torn UCL.No decision about Tommy John surgery has been made yet as May will reportedly seek a second opinion next week. May suffered the injury while pitching against Team USA in an exhibition game on Wednesday. [@MikeBerardino]
ENCOURAGED: Red Sox left-hander David Price took another step forward on Saturday, making about 25 throws in a batting cage according to manager John Farrell. The Red Sox are still not ready to put a timetable on Price’s return to game activity.
“All of the early phase of throwing is going to be short distance, controlled effort and energy,” Farrell said on Saturday.. “So, we’re not even mapping out distances right now. We’re more interested in seeing how his arm responds to even the light volume as of today.”
Price remains unlikely for opening day, but there’s obviously hope he’ll return soon after. [MLB.com] View photos Dalton Pompey (23) is checked by Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt and an athletic trainer after an experiencing concussion symptoms. (Getty)
CONCUSSION PROTOCOL: Blue Jays outfielder Dalton Pompey was entered into MLB’s concussion protocol on Saturday. Pompey injured himself sliding headfirst on a stolen base attempt in Canada’s 4-1 loss to Colombia at the WBC. Pompey stayed in the game intially, but later reported mild dizziness. He’ll be reevaluated on Sunday and should be considered highly unlikely to play against Team USA. [SportsNet]
GOOD NEWS: After being hit in the head by a line drive on Friday, Blue Jays reliever T.J. House was released from the hospital on Saturday. House suffered only a laceration and was in great spirits already on Friday night. [AP]
Guys things are looking good. Today’s moment was the scariest of my career but after much testing and time I’m going to make a full recovery
— TJ (@THouse25) March 10, 2017
I appreciate everyone who reached out through social media and texts/calls. I hope to be back out doing what I love soon. Much love!
— TJ (@THouse25) March 10, 2017
HELP NEEDED: Following Friday’s tough news about Chad Bettis, the Rockies are reportedly searching for two arms to help fill out a young starting rotation. Tyler Chatwood (26), Tyler Anderson (26) and Jon Gray (24) are already penciled in, but the options after them get even younger with Jeff Hoffman and German Marquez in the mix. Whether it’s through a trade or otherwise, the Rockies seem poised to make some moves. [Denver Post]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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