ANGELS
Hamilton disciplined?
Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton is meeting with Major League Baseball officials Wednesday about a disciplinary issue, and the team is bracing for possible penalties.
General Manager Jerry Dipoto confirmed that Hamilton was in New York, but he declined to say what prompted league officials to summon the outfielder.
"I can say that Josh is going to meet with league officials in New York," Dipoto said. "At this point I have no other information to offer." The Los Angeles Times learned the meeting involved a disciplinary issue through a person with knowledge of the situation.
Hamilton has an injured shoulder, and he doesn't have a locker in the Angels' spring training clubhouse at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Hamilton's agent, Michael Moye, did not return several messages, and MLB spokesman Pat Courtney declined to comment.
The Angels are allowing Hamilton to remain in Houston -- at a friend's ranch -- to rehabilitate from Feb. 4 surgery on his right shoulder, an odd arrangement considering most players remain with their teams while recovering from injuries during spring training or the regular season.
Hamilton, projected to be the team's cleanup or No. 5 hitter, is expected to be sidelined until at least May because of the injury. If he is suspended he could be out until late June or July.
PHILLIES
Lee's elbow 'good'
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- For eight minutes Wednesday, Cliff Lee (Benton, Arkansas Razorbacks) offered pitches to a rotating trio of Phillies teammates Carlos Ruiz, Ben Revere and Freddy Galvis.
The live batting practice signified the first time Lee threw to hitters since a strained elbow cost him the last two months of last season. The reports provided to Ryne Sandberg were "excellent," the manager said.
"Felt good," Lee said. "Felt normal. No complaints."
Lee threw each of his pitches in the session. The 36-year-old left-hander warmed up with a bullpen session, his third of spring training. As a way to ease into camp, his schedule has thus far called for two days between bullpens whereas most of the other pitchers take a day between.
Before reporting to Clearwater, Lee threw about 15 bullpen sessions at home in Arkansas. A bout with an upper respiratory illness just before leaving home has not been an issue, he said.
After Wednesday's workout, Lee wasn't sure when he would throw his next bullpen session. He appears on schedule to soon pitch in games, which begin Sunday with a scrimmage against the University of Tampa. The Phillies open Grapefruit League play on March 3 against the Yankees at Bright House Field.
RED SOX
Moncada arrives
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Yoan Moncada arrived Wednesday at the spring training headquarters of the Boston Red Sox, another step toward completion of a hefty contract for the 19-year-old Cuban.
The Red Sox and Moncada's agent reached an agreement earlier this week on a deal with a $31.5 million signing bonus, a record for an under-23 international amateur player.
Moncada had physical exams scheduled this week in both Florida and Boston, before the contract can be finalized. His representative, David Hastings, said earlier this week he hoped the deal would be finalized by Friday.
Wearing a white T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, Moncada entered the club's spring training complex in Fort Myers just after 8 a.m. and walked straight into the offices.
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said there's still not a signed deal in place with Moncada. President and chief executive officer Larry Lucchino and owner John Henry met with Moncada, a switch-hitting middle infielder with five-tool potential.
The Red Sox will pay $63 million to get him, due to a 100 percent tax required by Major League Baseball for exceeding their international signing bonus pool allotment.
BRAVES
Markakis out
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- New Braves right fielder Nick Markakis doesn't plan to be in the lineup when spring training games begin next week and said he's not sure if he'll be ready for opening day.
Markakis had fusion surgery for a herniated disk in his neck on Dec. 17 and said he was cleared to increase his physical activity on Tuesday.
"Opening day is a goal," Markakis said soon after reporting to Braves camp Wednesday. "It's one of those things you work for and try to get there as far as injuries. It's not something you want to rush. Neck surgery is pretty serious so you don't want to rush it. I will have six weeks to do my thing and try to get ready for opening day."
The Braves signed Markakis to a four-year, $44 million free-agent contract on Dec. 3. Markakis had played all nine of his previous big-league seasons with the Orioles.
YANKEES
Rivera returns
TAMPA, Fla. -- Mariano Rivera is back with the New York Yankees as a guest spring training instructor.
Rivera, baseball's career saves leader, arrived at Steinbrenner Field on Wednesday. He retired as a player following the 2013 season.
"I've decided to come back," the 45-year-old joked.
Rivera wore a batting practice uniform with his old No. 42 on it and white pinstripe pants as he worked with pitchers.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi joked with Rivera that when Andy Pettitte retired after the 2010 season and came back as an instructor for spring training in 2012, he soon decided to pitch again.
Rivera is expected to be in camp for about 10 days.
Sports on 02/26/2015