On Sunday, we continued our season preview series by breaking down the Chicago Cubs. Here's what else happened while you were coloring and hunting eggs.
Roster moves
Braves: Left-handed reliever Eric O'Flaherty, who made nearly 300 appearances with the Braves earlier in the decade, was acquired from the Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. O'Flaherty had been in Pirates camp on a non-roster deal, and figures to make the Braves' Opening Day bullpen as a situational lefty. In a smaller move, the Braves also traded first baseman Nate Freiman to the Nationals for first baseman-slash-outfielder Tyler Moore.
Indians: Three seasons ago, outfielder Will Venable enjoyed a banner year by hitting 22 home runs and reaching base in more than 33 percent of his plate appearances. On Sunday, he was released after being informed he wouldn't make the Opening Day roster. Venable, now 33, will almost certainly have to accept a minor-league deal if he's to work his way back to the majors. Veteran left-handed reliever Joe Thatcher was also granted his release.
Mariners: Clearing up some positional battles, the M's purchased the contracts of reliever Joel Peralta and first baseman Dae Ho Lee (Bob Dutton). Peralta, 40, gets by on guts and guile and little else. Lee, meanwhile, beat out former top prospect Jesus Montero and Gaby Sanchez for the right to be Adam Lind's right-handed sock. Montero was subsequently placed on waivers (Jon Heyman).
Red Sox: Outfielder David Murphy, who just signed with the Red Sox on March 2, has triggered the opt-out clause in his contract (Tim Britton). The Red Sox now have two days to add him to the 40-man roster, or otherwise grant him his release so he can pursue other opportunities. The Orioles are among the teams rumored to have interest in Murphy.
White Sox: The Padres returned Rule 5 pick Blake Smith (Dennis Lin). Smith, a converted outfielder who is still new to pitching, struck out more than a batter per inning during the spring. His fastball-breaking ball combination could lead him to debut before the season is over.
Injury updates
Astros: Luke Gregerson, who spent last season as the Astros closer, made his spring debut on Sunday, striking out the side on nine pitches. Gregerson had been dealing with a strained oblique (Houston Chronicle).
Blue Jays: Drew Hutchison is expected to be fine after being struck in the head by a throw (Shi Davidi).
Cubs: Jake Arrieta will make his Opening Day start as expected, in spite of leaving Thursday's game with a blister.
Dodgers: Starting shortstop Corey Seager, dealing with a sprained knee, is expected to return to big-league games soon. He played in a minor-league game on Saturday, and will do so again on Monday (Bill Plunkett). Yasiel Puig, meanwhile, ought to return from a tight on Monday (Eric Stephen).
Giants: Buster Posey missed Sunday's game with a tight hip. He's expected to play on Monday (Alex Pavlovic).
Pirates: Shortstop Jordy Mercer left Sunday night's game after "his knee made hard impact with the bag" on a slide. He's expected to play on Monday (Tim Williams).
News and Rumors
And on a lighter note, Derek Jeter confirmed he will not, in fact, be Donald Trump's running mate.
