LEADING OFF: A-Rod, Goldschmidt make their spring debuts

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A look at the highlights of what's happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona on Wednesday:

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HE'S BACK

Alex Rodriguez is set to be the designated hitter for two or three at-bats when the Yankees host the Phillies in Tampa, Florida. It will be his first game in 17 months after serving a one-year drug suspension. "I'll be a little nervous," he said. "I have some challenges ahead."

IN THE SWING

Arizona slugger Paul Goldschmidt faces another major league team for the first time since his left hand was broken by a pitch last August. The All-Star first baseman and the Diamondbacks take on Colorado.

UP FIRST

New Dodgers shortstop Jimmy Rollins is going to lead off in the spring opener against the White Sox. Manager Don Mattingly says he expects Rollins to stay atop the LA lineup this season, and that's fine with the former Philadelphia star. "I like that feeling of going out there and leading the way," Rollins said.

ON YOUR MARK

Indians leadoff man Michael Bourn makes his spring debut vs. the Reds after spending the winter honing his running skills. The four-time NL stolen base leader worked with former Olympic track star Leroy Burrell at the University of Houston. Bourn is healthy and Cleveland is counting on him to rebound from an injury-riddled 2014.

GIANT HOPES

Jake Peavy begins his first full season with San Francisco, facing the A's. Always animated on the mound, Peavy went 6-4 with a 2.17 ERA in 12 starts down the stretch last year after the eventual World Series champions got him from Boston.

Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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