SCOTTSDALE - Joe Saunders will start the Diamondbacks spring opener against San Francisco on Friday.
D-backs manager Kirk Gibson announced the decision Tuesday, adding that right-hander Aaron Heilman will start Saturday against Colorado in the first game at Salt River Fields, the new spring training home for the D-backs and Rockies.
Saunders went 3-7 with a 4.25 ERA in 13 starts last season after coming to Arizona as part of the trade that sent Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels.
Right-hander Ian Kennedy will start for the D-backs on Sunday against the Giants.
Each is expected to throw two innings at most.
Mauer to take it easy
FORT MYERS - The Twins aren't planning on moving Joe Mauer to another position anytime soon. He just won't be behind the plate very much at the start of spring training.
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Mauer received a shot of medication Tuesday that GM Bill Smith said will lubricate his surgically repaired left knee, and the Twins plan to keep his workload light early in camp.
Mauer had minor surgery in December to alleviate some swelling in his knee, and manager Ron Gardenhire said the plan is to ease him back into catching as the spring wears on to keep him as fresh as possible for opening day.
Dodgers to use LF platoon
GLENDALE - Dodgers manager Don Mattingly's early plan is to use a platoon of players to replace Manny Ramirez in left field.
Jay Gibbons and Marcus Thames have the early edge there, he said, with Tony Gwynn Jr. also in the mix. In reserve is Xavier Paul, who split time between the Dodgers and Triple-A Albuquerque.
The Thames-Gibbons combo has proven power; they've hit 239 big-league homers between them.
"I don't think anybody is going to think about them for the Gold Glove to start the year," Mattingly said.
Inside pitch
• Reds manager Dusty Baker has selected Edinson Volquez as his opening day starter against the Brewers on March 31.
