Paul Maholm pitched one scoreless inning to start the Pirates' exhibition season and pronounced that the left knee injury that had an impact on his 2009 season was no longer a factor.

"Actually, it wasn't as much of a big deal last season as some people are making it out to be," Maholm said.

Maholm went 8-9 with a 4.43 ERA last season after straining a ligament in his left knee during his final start in spring training. However, the injury was never made public until he admitted he had pitched hurt when asked by reporters during the final week of the season.

"I just don't think it was that big of a deal," Maholm said. "There isn't a pitcher in the major leagues who goes out and makes 30-plus starts a season, takes the ball every fifth day and feels 100 percent every...

Matt Garza looked good and felt even better. After two exhibition outings, including three scoreless innings Monday in Tampa Bay's 4-3 victory over a Pittsburgh Pirates split-squad, the Rays right-hander is happy about the way he's pitching this spring. Garza won 11 games two years ago in his first full season in the majors and was the MVP of the 2008 AL championship series while helping...

BRADENTON, Fla. - Kevin Hart, vying for a spot in Pittsburgh's starting rotation, battled through one rocky inning and Ryan Church hit a two-run homer Saturday, as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies played to a 3-3 tie in 10 innings.

Kevin Hart, vying for a spot in Pittsburgh's starting rotation, battled through one rocky inning and Ryan Church hit a two-run homer Saturday, as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies played to a 3-3 tie in 10 innings. Hart was scheduled to pitch two innings, but left the game after tossing 38 pitches in the top of the first inning.

Alex Rodriguez was back in his comfort zone: between the white lines. Rodriguez singled, No. 98 Colin Curtis hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning and the New York Yankees beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3 Wednesday with owner George Steinbrenner in attendance to watch the World Series champions in their spring opener.

Alex Rodriguez went 1 for 2, No. 98 Colin Curtis hit a game-winning three-run homer in the ninth inning and the New York Yankees beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3 Wednesday with principal owner George Steinbrenner in attendance for their spring opener. Rodriguez has been contacted by federal investigators regarding a Canadian doctor accused of selling an unapproved drug.