AL East Notebook: Moncada arrives for Red Sox, Papelbon interested in Blue Jays

Every Friday, theScore's MLB editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AL East Notebook.

Baltimore Orioles

Saying sorry. Nick Markakis apologized after calling out his former team earlier in the week. The Braves outfielder acknowledged that contract negotiations broke down with the Orioles due to their concern regarding his impending neck surgery.

New man. The Orioles added another redemption project, signing infielder Everth Cabrera to a one-year, $2.4 million deal. The 28-year-old served a 50-game suspension in 2013 for his link to Biogenesis and is likely to be used as a utility-man off the bench.

Jimenez opens spring training. The Orioles highest-paid arm - Ubaldo Jimenez - will start the team's first spring training game on Tuesday. After struggling through last season, Jimenez will likely compete with Miguel Gonzalez and Kevin Gausman for a spot in the rotation.

Boston Red Sox

Starters named. Clay Buchholz, the elder statesmen of the rotation, will open the Red Sox's spring training games against Northeastern University on Tuesday. Rick Porcello will follow in the second game against the Huskies.

Switch-hitting return. A fully healthy Shane Victorino is attempting a return to switch-hitting after temporarily abandoning it in 2013 as the result of hamstring and thumb injuries.

The arrival. The Red Sox newest high-priced offseason acquisition arrived at spring training Wednesday. Nineteen-year-old Yoan Moncada, fresh off signing a reported deal that includes a $31.5 million signing bonus, is expected to report to the team's minor-league camp next week.

New York Yankees

Moving over. In order to feature in the lineup more, Alex Rodriguez made his manager aware that he's willing to move across the diamond and play some games at first base. A-Rod has never played the position before in his 20 seasons in the majors.

Front office security. Ownership made it known early the jobs of both general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi are safe this season. The pair have worked together in New York since 2008.

Feelin' fine. Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka continues to impress during bullpen sessions. The right-hander threw 40 pitches Thursday and could pitch batting practice early next week.

Tampa Bay Rays

Family emergency. Rays reliever Grant Balfour is back in Australia to be with his cancer-stricken father. The right-hander has been given as much time away from the team as he wants, and Balfour is expected to miss at least five days of camp.

Versatile Cabrera. Offseason signing Asdrubal Cabrera is open to playing either middle infield position, though his preference is to stay at one. The 29-year-old is expected to compete with Nick Franklin, Tim Beckham and Logan Forsythe for playing time.

Toronto Blue Jays

Another comeback. Johan Santana will once again attempt to crack a major league roster after agreeing to a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays on Thursday. The two-time Cy Young winner hasn't pitched in the majors since 2012 and is coming off a torn Achilles tendon.

Sprinklergate. The Blue Jays outfield was dealt a blow Thursday when they announced Michael Saunders will be out until the All-Star break with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Acquired in a trade from the Seattle Mariners, Saunders suffered the injury after stepping on an underground sprinkler while shagging balls at the team's spring training facility, one day before position players were required to report.

Closing time. Jonathan Papelbon is eager to get out of Philadelphia and the outspoken closer named Toronto as a potential destination he'd be willing to veto his no-trade clause to go to. The Blue Jays have been looking for relief help, though the $13 million owed to Papelbon this season, plus his $13-million option for 2016, is likely more than Toronto is willing to pay for a bullpen arm.