Tiger's Aviles Announces Daughter Cancer-Free, MLB News

Though there was little action on Thursday at Joker Marchant Stadium, where pitchers and catchers officially reported for the Detroit Tigers, spring training began with some good news.

Utility player Mike Aviles announced that his five-year-old daughter, Adriana, is cancer-free. Adriana Aviles was diagnosed with leukemia in May.

"Everything's going well with her. She had a bone marrow transplant in December, she's recovering," Mike Aviles said, beaming. "She'll be out here in a couple weeks when she's allowed to fly. And she's cancer-free and going forward."

According to the 34-year-old Aviles, Adriana was diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic and then was transferred to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Aviles, an appealing depth signing for the Tigers because of his versatility, said last season was difficult, considering all that was going on with his family. Ultimately, it worked out for the best.

"It was a tough a situation, but it worked out good because I didn't get traded," Aviles said. "I was able to stay there and be around for my family."

Adriana, along with her twin sister Maiya, threw out a ceremonial first pitch at an Indians game in August. The Indians organization, including owner Paul Dolan, general manager Chris Antonetti and several Indians players, shaved their heads in a show of support for Adriana.

Pujols Recovering From Surgery

The Los Angeles Angels are preparing to start the season without Albert Pujols, who is recovering from right foot surgery.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday that Pujols is doing some swinging but still has a lengthy recovery ahead. Coming off his first 40-home run season since 2010 with St. Louis, Pujols had surgery in November after foot pain limited him to a designated-hitter role during the final month of last season.

The team's medical staff thinks Pujols, 36, won't be ready for the April 4 opener against the Chicago Cubs.

"The doctors have given the timeline, but if you know Albert, you know he always come back quicker than the timeline given," Scioscia said Thursday as pitchers and catchers reported. "But we're definitely not going to sacrifice a lion's share of the season to get him back maybe two weeks before he should."

The Angels are readying alternatives at first base. C.J. Cron, who played there last season when Pujols was the DH, is a possibility. So is free-agent addition Daniel Nava, who has spent the past two weeks taking grounders at the Angels' spring training facility.Though there was little action on Thursday at Joker Marchant Stadium, where pitchers and catchers officially reported for the Detroit Tigers, spring training began with some good news.

Utility player Mike Aviles announced that his five-year-old daughter, Adriana, is cancer-free.

Chapman May Be Suspended

Major League Baseball has yet to announce whether it will suspend new New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman for domestic violence allegations, but if the league does end up penalizing Chapman, he said he will appeal.

"I understand that everybody is worried about this issue," said Chapman, surrounded by more than two dozen reporters on the first day pitchers and catchers officially reported to Yankees camp. "I understand that everybody wants to know, but it is something that is out of my hands. My main focus is to play baseball. I feel great. I'm happy to be here. I can't wait to get started."

Chapman, through Yankees translator Marlon Abreu, was asked if he considered anything inaccurate in a police report that was filed in Davie, Florida, on Oct. 30. Chapman said he did not.

In the report, Chapman was alleged to have choked his girlfriend and fired eight gunshots in a garage at his home after an argument with his girlfriend. Police ultimately decided not to press charges.