Related articles:

Around Spring Training Around Spring training Around spring training Around spring training Around baseball Around Spring training Around Spring training Around spring training Around Spring Training Around Spring training

Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator General
A1 Communications
Cable Techs

• Dustin Nippert celebrated the birth of his second child, Aubrey Faith, on Friday morning. Hours later, the 6-foot-8-inch Diamondbacks right-hander reported to Chase Field for a spring training game. He then learned he had been dealt to the Texas Rangers for minor-league pitcher Jose Marte.

To say the least, it was a whirlwind day for Nippert that brought a happy conclusion to an otherwise frustrating spring training. He had a 14.40 ERA.

"It was a little overwhelming, a lot of emotions," Nippert said shortly before the D-backs played the Rockies in an exhibition game. "It's a good thing. They traded for me, so obviously they want me, so I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to go over there, wipe the slate clean and start fresh."

Nippert, who was 2-3 with a 6.43 ERA over three seasons with Arizona, is out of minor-league options, so it appears he will be on the Rangers' 25-man roster.

"That's the way I took it," he said.

• After the D-backs passed over Trot Nixon for the final position player spot, the 33-year-old former Red Sox outfielder accepted a minor-league assignment and will report to Triple-A Tucson. Nixon said the decision was not difficult. He has not heard from other organizations.

"Right now, I'm going to go down and do what I need to do down in Triple-A and compete," he said.

• Manager Bob Melvin said catcher Miguel Montero, who has a broken finger, will play at extended spring training before possibly going to Tucson for a rehab stint. Montero might rejoin the D-backs before May 1.

— Sarah Trotto

• White Sox third baseman Joe Crede missed an exhibition game against the Rangers on Friday night because of a bruised left ankle. Crede said he hoped to recover in time for the season opener. He injured the ankle Thursday when he fouled a ball off his foot against the Diamondbacks. X-rays taken after the game showed no damage.

• Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano will start the season in the minor leagues. The left-hander is coming back from elbow surgery and was 2-2 with a 4.02 ERA in spring training. He missed the entire 2007 season.

• Center fielder Jim Edmonds was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, which means he will miss his first opening day with the Padres. Edmonds strained his right calf in a spring training game on March 6. The DL move was retroactive to March 21, meaning he will be eligible to return next Saturday.

• Jeff Conine signed a one-day contract with the Marlins on Friday. He then retired as a member of the team with whom he won two World Series championships.

• Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte threw 25 pitches off a bullpen mound Friday and remained scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game Sunday. Originally slated to start the Yankees' second game of the regular season, Pettitte has been slowed by back spasms. He will make his first start Saturday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

— The Associated Press