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Ten days before Opening Day, the Dodgers suffer a big setback when 3B Justin Turner breaks his wrist after being hit by a pitch in the 1st inning of a Cactus League game.

Ten days before Opening Day, the Dodgers suffer a big setback when 3B Justin Turner breaks his wrist after being hit by a pitch in the 1st inning of a Cactus League game.

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The Yankees lose a big piece of their projected line-up when LF Curtis Granderson suffers a broken forearm

2013 – The Yankees lose a big piece of their projected line-up when LF Curtis Granderson suffers a broken forearm after being struck by a pitch by Toronto’s J.A. Happ in the 1st inning of a Grapefruit League game in Tampa, FL. The Yanks’ most prolific home run hitter over the past two seasons is expected to be out for 10 weeks.

The Cardinals’ Lance Berkman plays an April Fools prank on teammate Adam Wainwright

The Cardinals’ Lance Berkman plays an April Fools prank on teammate Adam Wainwright. Before the 3rd inning of a Grapefruit League game, Wainwright’s white Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck is driven on the warning track at Roger Dean Stadium as the public address announcer states that it will be given away to a lucky fan. A stunned Wainwright watches from the bench as the supposed prize winners, a father and his son, climb into the bed of the truck when it stops in front of the home dugout and Berkman, who is driving, pokes his head out of the window, waves to everyone, and drives away.

Miguel Cabrera returns to the Tigers training camp, one week after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving
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Miguel Cabrera returns to the Tigers training camp, one week after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving

1B Miguel Cabrera returns to the Tigers training camp, one week after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. He apologizes to teammates, team management, family and fans for the incident and has agreed to enter a treatment program. MLB officials warn him that “any future alcohol-related incidents could involve more serious consequences”.

With spring training coming to an end, the disabled list is getting crowded. Among those who will miss the beginning of the season are Mets SS Jose Reyes, who missed most of 2009 with injuries and joins teammates Daniel Murphy, Carlos Beltran and Kelvim Escobar on the list; Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler, suffering from a sprained ankle; Astros 1B Lance Berkman, recovering from knee surgery, and two Houston pitchers, Alberto Arias and Yorman Bazardo; Rockies closer Huston Street, shelved by shoulder stiffness; and Toronto P Mark Rzepczynski, out with a broken finger, the result of being struck on his pitching hand by a ball batted by the Yankees’ Ramiro Pena a day earlier.

With spring training coming to an end, the disabled list is getting crowded. Among those who will miss the beginning of the season are Mets SS Jose Reyes, who missed most of 2009 with injuries and joins teammates Daniel Murphy, Carlos Beltran and Kelvim Escobar on the list; Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler, suffering from a sprained ankle; Astros 1B Lance Berkman, recovering from knee surgery, and two Houston pitchers, Alberto Arias and Yorman Bazardo; Rockies closer Huston Street, shelved by shoulder stiffness; and Toronto P Mark Rzepczynski, out with a broken finger, the result of being struck on his pitching hand by a ball batted by the Yankees’ Ramiro Pena a day earlier.

All-Star OF Josh Hamilton,leaves the first workout of spring training with a bruised left shoulder

All-Star OF Josh Hamilton,leaves the first workout of spring training with a bruised left shoulder

2010 – The Rangers get some bad news as All-Star OF Josh Hamilton, whose 2009 season was curtailed by a string of injuries after a breakthrough 2008 campaign, leaves the first workout of spring training with a bruised left shoulder. Hamilton injures himself diving to catch a pop-up. However, he will recover to become the American League MVP.

Jeff Bagwell  arrives with a $15.6 million dollar insurance tag on his head if he can’t play
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Jeff Bagwell arrives with a $15.6 million dollar insurance tag on his head if he can’t play

2006 – It’s normally not news when a player shows up for spring training but that’s not true this time for Jeff Bagwell. The first baseman arrives with a $15.6 million dollar insurance tag on his head if he can’t play. Bagwell insists he’ll play despite an arthritic right shoulder that required surgery the previous year. He fields grounders and hits in light drills the first day and talks briefly with owner Drayton McLane. 

In spring training action, Boston Red Sox star Pedro Martinez and five relievers combine on a perfect game beating the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 – 0.

In spring training action, Boston Red Sox star Pedro Martinez and five relievers combine on a perfect game beating the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 – 0.

2000 – In spring training action, Boston Red Sox star Pedro Martinez and five relievers combine on a perfect game beating the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 – 0.

The Yankees christen Legends Field, their new $30 million, 31-acre complex in Tampa

The Yankees christen Legends Field, their new $30 million, 31-acre complex in Tampa

1996 – The Yankees christen Legends Field, their new $30 million, 31-acre complex in Tampa. The field has the exact dimensions of Yankee Stadium. On hand to see Phil Rizzuto toss out the first ball are former Yankees Whitey Ford, Catfish Hunter, Ron Guidry and Chris Chambliss, who then watch the new Yankees beat the American League Champions Cleveland Indians, 5 – 2.

the Astros and Rangers spar in a two-game series at the Astrodome as part of their in-state rivalry

1994 – Both teams train in Florida, yet the Astros and Rangers spar in a two-game series at the Astrodome as part of their in-state rivalry. Tony Eusebio is the hero in a 6-5 victory, driving in Luis Gonzalez with an eighth-inning double. Astro nemesis Will Clark delivers the game-winner for the Rangers the following day. It’s the first Dome visit for new Houston manager Terry Collins. Afterwards, both teams fly back to Florida.