Monday Night Links

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes took batting practice for the first time on Monday, but his status for Opening Day hasn't yet been determined.

Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt, who received an injection in his back, is expected to start on Opening Day.

Marlins ace Josh Johnson is also expected to be ready to make his Opening Day start.

Royals first baseman Billy Butler said, “No personal goals. It’s team goals. Win the American League Central. Make some noise and show our organization is moving in the right (direction). If we do that, my individual goals will all be there because we’ll be where we want to be.”

When asked about his 20-20 potential, Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones said, "I think it's possible."

The Toronto Blue Jays have released outfielder Joey Gathright.

For ceremonial first pitches, Barack Obama will throw out the first pitch in Philadelphia while Roger Staubach will throw out the first pitch in Arlington.

Pirates manager John Russell plans to hit the pitcher 8th in the Pirates' lineup.

As expected, Ryan Perry earned a roster spot in the Tigers' bullpen.

Marlon Byrd said of Milton Bradley: ''I want him to be him. In Texas, he didn't smile. He put up ungodly numbers. He has to be himself. That's the only thing he can do. That's the only way he can play. I want to see him do it, 162 all-out, because he has MVP material.''

Orioles reliever Koji Uehara will start the season on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello had a strong outing against the Blue Jays.

Felipe Paulino has a shot at winning the Astros' fifth starter spot in the rotation.

Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore said, "Whatever soreness or pain I've had has been minimal. I recovered from the next day. Going into this last week of spring training, I feel strong like I'll be ready to go for the season."

Reds pitcher Homer Bailey allowed five runs on five hits in five innings against the Dodgers single-A team.

Royals pitcher Gil Meche threw 127 pitches in a simulated game and didn't feel any soreness.

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira was hit by a pitch on his elbow, but X-rays weren't required as it's only a bruise.

Twins-Tigers in Tie-breaker on Tuesday

Fighting for their playoff lives, the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins were tied heading into their regular-season finales against the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, respectively.

And after both teams won today, they will face off in a tie-breaker on Tuesday. Detroit beat Chicago 5-3 and Minnesota beat Kansas City 13-4 today.

The tie-breaker will be played at the Metrodome and the Tigers will start 20-year-old Rick Porcello.

"He’s not going to be scared, I know that – and that’s a good thing," [Tigers manager Jim] Leyland said, per MLive.com. "This will be a tremendous experience for him because he’s going to pitch in the toughest place he’s ever pitched in his life with the most at stake."

Scott Baker, who finished the season 15-9 and pitched five shutout innings in Detroit on Thursday, will pitch for the Twins.

The Twins are 15-4 in their final 19 games.

The winner of Tuesday's game will face the Yankees in the American League Divisional Series on Wednesday. The other A.L. series will feature the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox.