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MLB roundup: Mets' Santana throws off of mound

Spring training is all about getting ready for the regular season, and while New York Mets left-hander Johan Santana provided some encouraging signs on Sunday, the San Francisco Giants are a bit concerned about Pablo Sandoval's weight.

Santana threw off a mound for the first time since he was shut down last August.

Santana said he was good to go after throwing a 20-pitch session at the Mets' training facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He is on track to start the team's season opener against the visiting San Diego Padres on April 1.

The team shut him down in August, saying he had lower back inflammation. He also had trouble with a sore ankle.

Meanwhile, Sandoval reported to spring training Saturday in Scottsdale, Ariz., overweight.

Manager Bruce Bochy told the 2012 World Series MVP, who is listed on the roster at 262 pounds, that he will be given extra work to get back into shape. Bochy's message was given to Sandoval during a close-door meeting, according to CSN Bay Area.

Sandoval will get added conditioning before and after team workouts.

--Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza, who missed the final 11 weeks of last season with a stress reaction in his right elbow, could not complete his batting practice session Sunday, according to the Chicago Tribune. It was not clear what caused him to interrupt the session.

--The Tampa Bay Ray have agreed to sign free agent outfielder Jack Cust to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Cust last played in the major leagues in 2011, when he hit .213 with three homers in 67 games for the Seattle Mainers. He spent the entire 2012 season at the Triple-A level, batting .243 with 20 home runs.

--Detroit Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch injured his right oblique muscle Saturday and was held out of Sunday's workouts. He may not be ready to return until late this week.

--Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Mat Gamel did not participate in drills a day after aggravating his surgically repaired right knee on Saturday. Brewers manager Ron Roenicke told MLB.com that Gamel could return to workouts on Monday. Gamel, 27, is expected to be the Brewers' Opening Day first baseman.