Nomar Garciaparra returned to the Boston Red Sox lineup for the first time in eight days, and Todd Hundley returned to his spot behind the plate for the first time all spring.
Garciaparra, who hasn't played since March 18 because of pain in his elbow, homered twice off Rick Helling in his first game since March 18."Sometimes you close your eyes, it works," said Garciaparra, the designated hitter in Boston's 10-3 win against Texas at Port Charlotte, Fla.
Garciaparra, who last played shortstop on March 11, hopes to return to the field Saturday, when the Red Sox visit the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
"We'll see what he feels like, but he's going on the trip," manager Jimy Williams said. "He'll play in some capacity."
Hundley, who missed most of last season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his right elbow, caught two innings in the Dodgers 7-2 win against Baltimore in Vero Beach, Fla.
"I'm thankful I got the chance to play," Hundley said. "What's happened this spring with so many players all over baseball having ligament damage, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy."
Dodgers manager Davey Johnson said he hoped to start Hundley again on Sunday, and remains uncertain as to whether Hundley will be ready for the April 5 season-opener against Arizona.
At Mesa, Ariz., Rod Beck hit Travis Lee in the shoulder in the top of the sixth, sparking a bench-clearing brawl in the bottom half of the inning.
"It's getting close to opening day. This is part of baseball," said Billy Williams, who filled in for manager Jim Riggleman, who was with the other half of the Cubs. "You see the pushing and the shoving, no punches thrown. You'll see this happen over the next three or four days because the season's about to start."
Sammy Sosa homered for the Cubs and Matt Williams drove in seven runs for the Diamondbacks who beat the Cubs's split squad 17-10.
At Kissimmee, Fla., Kerry Ligtenberg said he will likely have season-ending surgery on his ailing right elbow.
"I'm trying to remain positive, but I just don't think it's going to heal by itself," said Ligtenberg.
At Haines City, Fla., Kevin Appier impressed scouts Cleveland, Boston, Texas and the Mets by allowing one run in six innings as Kansas City beat Toronto 5-4 in 12 innings.
Appier, who is recovering from reconstructive shoulder surgery, struck out five and allowed seven hits in his strongest outing of the spring. The Royals can't afford Appier's $4.8 million salary and would like to trade him.
At Port St. Lucie, Fla., the New York Mets placed Hideo Nomo on unconditional release waivers after the right-hander reported to Triple-A Norfolk.