PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Even on the day before their first spring training workout, the New York Mets had bad news.
Closer Frank Francisco is bothered by the same elbow inflammation that ended his 2012 season on Sept. 16.
Mets manager Terry Collins said Tuesday that Bobby Parnell and Brandon Lyon will be given the first chance to take over the closer's job.
"There is some inflammation in there. It was something the training staff was prepared for," Collins said. "They thought it might happen, so we just want to quiet the swelling down before he plays catch. Frank told me last week, 'I'll be ready.'"
Francisco had 23 saves in 26 chances last year in his first season with the Mets. Parnell has 14 in 31 opportunities during his Mets' career.
Pirates, Inge close to deal
Brandon Inge and the Pirates have reportedly agreed upon a minor-league deal, according to Tom Singer of MLB.com, via HardballTalk.
Inge played 74 games with Oakland last year after being traded by Detroit, his team for the 11 previous seasons.
MLB
Though Inge is far from his prime, the 35-year old did manage 54 RBIs in 303 at-bats in 2012.
Rolen not interested
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Third baseman Scott Rolen declined the Cincinnati Reds' offer to attend spring training but stopped short of saying he's ready to retire.
The seven-time All-Star informed the team of his decision on Tuesday, when Reds pitchers and catchers reported for the start of camp. Rolen, who turns 38 on April 4, had been mulling an offer to fill a reserve role with the NL Central champions.
He's been limited each of the last three seasons by chronic problems with his left shoulder and back spasms.
"Right now, I'm simply not ready to make a commitment," Rolen said, in a statement released by the team. "I would like to leave my options open, without closing any doors. I am looking forward to all of the challenges, both personally and professionally, I will face in the future."
Rolen became a free agent after last season, when he batted .245 in 92 games with eight homers and 39 RBIs. He missed time with the shoulder and back problems. Todd Frazier is set to take over at third base this season, but the Reds offered Rolen a chance to stay in a reduced role.
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