Braves daily news digest 2/27: Andrelton Simmons dealing with oblique strain

Braves News

Andrelton Simmons dealing with strained oblique

Andrelton Simmons arrived at spring training already dealing with the effects of a strained oblique. He did limited work on Thursday and both he and the team are progressing carefully.

"I got it over a week ago, two weeks ago maybe," he said. "It was so minor I tried to (keep working out) on it. Didn't rest it enough and aggravated it, then rested it a day or two and went back on it, and it just didn't go away. So I finally just decided to come here and take it easy and not aggravate it and let it heal so I can be 100 percent."

Simmons talked about the injury with Kevin McAlpin on Thursday:

Braves second-base plans are 'wide open'

There are a number of options for the Braves to use at second base and the battle for the job is wide open as spring training opens.

"There's so many different dynamics," Gonzalez said. "It's Feb. 26, there's a lot of stuff going on. Do you want to go left/right (platoon)? Do you want to give Callaspo the job? Do you want to go Gosselin/Callaspo? Gosselin/Peterson? Gosselin/Peraza? Put Peraza in there?

"So I think it's wide open. It really is. Kelly Johnson combo with someone else? It all just depends on how we want to work second base, the infield, and even the bench. Because I think that position could affect how you want to use your bench."

Kimbrel stands out in live batting-practice session

Craig Kimbrel looked sharp in Thursday's live batting-practice session and was toying around with a change-up which is a pitch he hasn't really used in the past.

Non-roster invitees could figure big in Braves' plans

The Atlanta Braves can go in a number of directions with their roster this spring and the final roster could include several non-roster invitees.

He (Fredi Gonzalez) mentioned left-handed starter Eric Stults, relievers Jose Veras, Matt Capps and lefty Brady Feigl, second baseman/utility player Kelly Johnson, outfielder Eric Young Jr., and catcher John Buck, and said he probably was leaving some out.

MLB News

Brewers out, but Blue Jays would interest Papelbon more

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is eyeing a trade and would waive his no-trade clause to join the Toronto Blue Jays if a deal were to materialize between the two clubs.

"Yes, Toronto, interests me -- if it interests Ruben," he said. "I know some of the guys on their coaching staff. They're a good team. If Ruben can do a deal with them, I'd be interested."

Adam Wainwright dealing with an abdominal strain

Cardinals' ace Adam Wainwright has been diagnosed with an abdominal strain but he could still recover in time to make the team's opening day start against the Cubs.

Blue Jays sign Johan Santana to minor league deal

Johan Santana is headed to spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays and will try to earn a roster spot despite having not pitched in the major leagues since the 2012 season.