Saturday's player news

Max Scherzer, sp, Arz: Scherzer is slotted to be the Diamondbacks' No. 5 starter. But since they won't need a No. 5 starter in the opening weeks, he'll open the season on the DL (shoulder) to open the season, then be activated in time to start on April 14.

Brandon Backe, sp, Hou: Placed on DL (intercostal strain) and likely won't return during April.

Shairon Martis, sp, Wash: Named Nationals' No. 4 starter

Jordan Zimmermann, sp, Wash: Named Nationals' No. 5 starter. But since Nats' won't need a No. 5 starter until April 19, he'll go to the minors until then.

Friday's player news

Francisco Cordero, rp, Cin: Cordero has been lit up all spring and his velocity is down. Watch carefully.

Skip Schumaker, 2b, StL: Cardinals GM indicated Schumaker would be Cards' opening day second baseman.

Troy Glaus, 3b, StL: Placed on 15-day disabled list (shoulder). Expected back in May.

Ronny Paulino, c, Fla: Catchers trade from Phillies to Giants and now to Marlins could eventually cut into Marlins' John Baker's playing time.

Matt Lindstrom, rp, Fla: Won't make another preseason appearance, but remains hopeful to open season with team. Remain skeptical.

Garet Anderson, of, Atl: Prospects for being ready for opening day still cloudy (calf strain), but should be ready no later than first or second week.

Tuesday player news

Jason Motte, rp, Cardinals: Motte's dominant spring has tossed him into the mix for closer with Chris Perez.

Livan Hernandez, sp, Mets: Clinched Mets' No. 5 spotter spot with Freddy Garcia being sent to minor league camp.

Garrett Atkins, 3b, Col: Groin injury could be opening day in doubt if he's not able to return to lineup this week.

Monday player news

Troy Glaus, 3b, StL: After shoulder surgery in January, the Cardinals have scaled back their expectations for his return. He had been aiming for late April to early May.

Cole Hamels, sp, Phi: Phillies pitching coach now says there's a "very, very small shot" at Hamels starting on opening day. But he remains on target to make his first start on April 10.

Matt Lindstrom, rp, Fla: Lindstrom injured his shoulder pitching in the WBC. But remains hopeful to open season on time, although Marlins are not sure that's realistic.

Sunday player news

Gaby Sanchez, 1b, Fla: Despite being sidelined with a bruised knee, Sanchez remains the Fish's top candidate at 1B, with injuries to others keeping Jorge Cantu at 3B.

Cole Hamels, sp, Phi: Manager Charlie Manuel says that even if Hamels can't go by opening day, he should be ready pitch sometime in the first week of the season.

Brandon Backe, sp, Hou: Backe will open the season on the disabled list (strained rib cage).

Luis Rodriguez, ss, SD: Rotoworld says Rodriguez will be the Padres opening day SS, meaning David Eckstein opens at 2B.

Trevor Hoffman, rp, Mil: Manager Ken Macha says Hoffman's chances of being ready for opener are "looking dim."

Lastings Milledge, of, Was: Manager Manny Acta will make Milledge his leadoff man. That nails down one outfield spot. With the other presumably going to Adam Dunn, there's one starting spot left for Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns, Josh Willingham, Wily Mo Pena and Corey Patterson.

Saturday report

Rich Harden, sp, Chi: Aiming for April 10 first start, but it might not come to 5-7 days later.

Brandon Backe, sp, Hou: Won't be ready for season opener (rib cage).

Trevor Hoffman (oblique), rp, Mil: Progressing slowly; status for opener in question.