Hideki Matsui finally got the chance to play for the Los Angeles Angels. Matsui made his spring debut on Tuesday, getting a single in two trips to the plate during a 6-5 win over the San Diego Padres. The designated hitter struck out against Chris Young in the first and grounded Radhames Liz's 3-1 pitch up the middle for a hit in the fourth.

The Angels are hoping Brandon Wood's bat is ready for the major leagues. But his glove could buy him some time to find out.

"Brandon is a guy we're very, very comfortable with on the defensive end," manager Mike Scioscia said. "That will give us an important presence at third, which might take a little pressure off of what he has to do with the bat and still contribute.

"We do need production from that spot. Brandon is a guy we feel—if we have to ease him off a bit, if he's pressing or if we'll maybe let him run with some things—that he'll get enough playing time to contribute and continue to develop and hopefully be on the positive end of this thing as we move through the season."

Originally a shortstop, Wood was moved to third base two years ago and has...

The Oakland Athletics at Los Angels Angels game has been rained out Sunday. About 50 Japanese media were in attendance to cover Hideki Matsui's debut with the Angels. Matsui signed a one-year, $6 million free-agent contract after being named World Series MVP with the New York Yankees last season. Angels manager Mike Scioscia told reporters earlier in camp that Matsui would be treated carefully...

Coco Crisp's debut with Oakland gave manager Bob Geren an interesting dilemma at the top of the batting order. Crisp doubled and singled, Steve Tolleson drove in the go-ahead run and the Athletics beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-2 on Saturday. "That was a real nice first game," Geren said of Crisp.

Mark Wagner's tiebreaking single in the eighth inning gave the Boston Red Sox a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins in the spring training opener for both teams Thursday night. The catcher, ticketed to start the season in the minors barring an injury to Victor Martinez or Jason Varitek, singled in Josh Reddick, who had doubled and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Darnell McDonald.