Baseball

Cuddyer is in the starting lineup, playing right field and hitting fifth. Cuddyer had been sidelined since May 9 with an inflamed cervical disc. After playing in two extended spring training games on Tuesday and Wednesday however, Cuddyer has been deemed ready to return and rejoins the Rockies' the first day he's eligible to do so.

Mark Teixeira is also slated to play as he works his way back from a wrist injury. Youkilis has been sidelined for nearly a month with a lumbar spine strain, but he could rejoin the Yankees late next week if he can avoid setbacks.

Teixeira has participated in simulated games this week and will test himself in extended spring training on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. He'll be reevaluated after his two rehab games with Trenton, but there's a chance that he could be activated from the disabled list late next week if all goes well. Teixeira has been sidelined since early March with a torn tendon sheath in his wrist.

In fact, Maddon said that there hasn't even been a discussion about a possible change. Rodney has a 5.40 ERA to go along with four blown saves and 17 walks in 18 1/3 innings this season, but he is going to get every chance to pitch out of his funk. Joel Peralta would be the likely alternative if he continues to falter.

It's actually a loose bone chip in his hand. The injury stems from when he was hit by a pitch from Paul Maholm on April 14 and certainly explains his struggles. Espinosa hopes to avoid a trip to the disabled list and possible surgery, but the Nationals plan to rest him for a few days. Steve Lombardozzi will fill in at second base for the time being.

Middlebrooks suffered the injury Wednesday and aggravated it Thursday. The Red Sox initially said he was day-to-day, but evidently they've decided the best course of action was to sit him down for a couple weeks. Jose Iglesias has been promoted to fill his spot on the roster and will share time with Pedro Ciriaco at the hot corner.

Victorino ran sprints prior to Thursday's game, but evidently he still hasn't made enough progress. Given that he's also had a back issue lately, it's probably best to let him rest for a couple weeks. Daniel Nava will handle right field while Victorino is out.