Around NL East Spring Training, 3/10: Injury Uncertainty For Young Stars

Nationals: C Jesus Flores will make the ever ominous journey to Alabama to see Dr. James Andrews…Will Nieves will likely join Ivan Rodriguez on the Nats’ opening day roster, with Flores on the DL…Matt Caps looked less than sharp in Grapefruit action on Wednesday, yielding 2 runs in one inning. His ineffectiveness could give prospect Drew Storen a shot at the closer job.

Braves: Atlanta’s Spring Training revolves around Jason Heyward, but on the seventh day the Lord rested with minor contusions to his neck and back…Speaking of Heyward, Bobby Cox was pretty frank about the phenom’s role in keeping him out of a retirement. That means he’s making the team, right?…Opening-Day starter Derek Lowe exited his start early Wednesday when a usually-taped blister on his toe acted up…Lowe expects to make his next start but feels “depressed” about the wasted day.

Marlins: The Fish missed out on Hank Blalock to their state-rival Rays, but were only considering him as a bench piece…Meanwhile, injury news is looking up for the Marlins. C John Baker, expected to miss all of Spring Training with a strained forearm, may be in the lineup as a DH soon. Cody Ross also appears close to game action, while Cameron Maybin, also suffering a strained groin, may need more time.

Phillies: The oft-over analyzed Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels worked to put fans’ minds at ease Wednesday, retiring the first nine batters he faced in 3 2/3 innings against the Blue Jays…Kyle Drabek, sent to the Blue Jays in the Roy Halladay trade, debuted a cutter against his former team Wednesday. No word on whether he was also in the best shape of his life…Ryan Howard’s number is being retired by the Low-A Lakewood BlueClaws. He played in Lakewood for one season, in which he posted a .827 OPS, his worst at any level.

Mets: GM Omar Minaya held a press conference to confirm that Jose Reyes does have “elevated thyroid levels,” which kind of sort of contradicts statements made by his agent earlier and definitely contradicts what Reyes told ESPN Deportes. The team is optimistic, but uncertain, he will be ready for opening day.