AL East Notebook: Ortiz denies knowingly taking PEDs; Tanaka gets ball for Opening Day
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
Closing the book. Right-hander Chris Tillman won't hold extension talks throughout the season, however, there's no rush to get a deal done as the 26-year-old is under team control through 2017. This year's Opening Day starter went 13-6 with a 3.34 ERA in 34 starts last season.
On the move? The Orioles are receiving plenty of trade interest in left-hander Brian Matusz, who posted a 3.48 ERA in 63 appearances last season and is set to hit free agency at the end of the year. A number of left-handers in the bullpen could make the former first-round pick expendable.
Up in the air. Kevin Gausman has been preparing as both a reliever and a starter this spring, as manager Buck Showalter has yet to decide how he'll be used this season. Despite Ubaldo Jimenez's struggles, the Orioles could opt to use him in the rotation and use Gausman out of the bullpen.
Boston Red Sox
Great quote. David Ortiz has plenty to say this week. The slugger defended his absence from the lineup with soreness, claiming that he wasn't "just sitting around." Ortiz followed that up by penning a must-read essay in which he denies ever knowingly taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Growing concern. It's appearing increasingly likely that the Red Sox will be without closer Koji Uehara to start the season, as the right-hander deals with a hamstring strain. Manager John Farrell doesn't plan on rushing Uehara back just to have him ready for Opening Day.
Let's make a deal. Shane Victorino would love for the Red Sox to acquire former teammate Cole Hamels and said he'd trade two or three prospects to land the three-time All-Star.
New York Yankees
New perspective. Alex Rodriguez will cross the diamond and make his debut at first base on Sunday. Manager Joe Girardi had been hesitant to use the 39-year-old at first, but is opting to build some additional depth at the position behind Mark Teixeira.
Change on the hill. The Yankees will have a new starter open their season for the first time since 2008. Masahiro Tanaka will get the ball on April 6 against the Blue Jays, usurping incumbent CC Sabathia. Tanaka has been sharp this spring, but did acknowledge he isn't reaching his top velocity by design.
Glowing review. Didi Gregorius has enamored himself to at least one of his fellow infielders. Mark Teixeira called Gregorius "as good a shortstop" as the first baseman has ever seen.
Tampa Bay Rays
Opening Day honor. A slew of injuries have bestowed Chris Archer with the first Opening Day start of his young career. Matt Moore, Alex Cobb, Alex Colome and Drew Smyly are all expected to miss the start of the season with various injuries.
Stadium woes. Commissioner Rob Manfred shed some light on the Rays' attendance issues, saying that he believes the poor attendance numbers are more reflective of the state of Tropicana Field than the product on the field.
Tribute to Zim. The Rays plan to honor the late Don Zimmer by retiring his No. 66 during a pregame ceremony on April 6. It will be the third number retired in franchise history.
Toronto Blue Jays
Back at it. Edwin Encarnacion returned to the lineup Thursday after missing almost 20 days with inflammation in his lower back. The slugger is expected to DH once again on Friday and said that he physically feels good.
All-Star demotion. Right-hander Steve Delabar was blindsided by the news he'll begin the season in Triple-A. The reliever admitted that he believes the demotion was made because he has minor-league options remaining as opposed to the decision being performance related.
Infirmary filling up. Manager John Gibbons made things official Thursday by announcing that Maicer Izturis and Michael Saunders will begin the season on the disabled list. The pair are expected to be back at some point in April.