Spring training baseball roundup: Boston's expecting great things from Rusney Castillo

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 28: Rusney Castillo #38 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the New York Yankees during the last game of the season at Fenway Park on September 28, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rusney Castillo (2014 Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock, right, slides safe behind San Francisco Giants' Brandon Crawford (35) with a double in the first inning of a spring training exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 17, 2015, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Associated Press – Red Sox outfielder Rusney Castillo is expected to begin playing in minor league games. He's been out because of an oblique injury. Boston hopes for big things from the 27-year-old Cuban after signing him to a rich contract last season.

TIME OUT

The San Francisco Giants get a day off, and manager Bruce Bochy says they need it. The World Series champs are 4-12-1 and have lost five of six. "We're not doing anything very well right now," he said. "We're not even close to being ready."

HOW 'BOUT A HIT?

Ryan Braun is still searching for that first hit this spring. The Brewers star is 0 for 12 almost midway through exhibition play. He had offseason surgery on his right thumb.

TAKE IT EASY

Lance Lynn is set to throw a simulated game at the Cardinals' complex in Jupiter, Florida. The St. Louis starter has been limited because of a sore hip.

BEEN A WHILE

Yankees reliever Andrew Bailey is lined up to pitch against Atlanta. It would be the first game for the two-time All-Star closer since surgery on his right shoulder in July 2013.

SLOW ROAD BACK

White Sox righty Jesse Crain plans to throw in a minor league game. An effective reliever earlier in his career, the 33-year-old hasn't pitched in the majors since 2013 because of shoulder and biceps injuries.

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