Third to first

By Scott Merkin

March 25, 2014

• Sale, who worked 3 2/3 innings in his final Cactus League start Tuesday leading into his second straight Opening Day start, likes what he sees from his team.

"We're ready to win, that's for sure," Sale said. "We saved up enough from last year.

"Hopefully, we can get a good run going early, and I know it's going to be cold up there, but it will be cold for the other team, too. Bring some energy and intensity and get after it."

• Quintana and Johnson will stay behind in Arizona to throw three innings or 50 pitches in bullpen sessions to stay sharp for their regular-season debuts. Quintana pitches Friday and then starts Thursday against the Twins. Johnson pitches Saturday and then starts Friday in Kansas City.

• Adam Eaton has reached base in 14 of his 17 Cactus League games this spring.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin.