Worth noting

By Tom Singer

February 19, 2014

• Jose Tabata and Jeanmar Gomez, the Pirates' two players from Venezuela, both said their families are safe and fine amid the political unrest in the country.

• After one day of limited activity due to a three-stitch cut on a finger of his left hand, Snider felt well enough to join Wednesday's batting practice.

"He progressed well. He took swings, did more running, shagging, fielding," Hurdle said. "Still not throwing over the top, but he's coming along well."

• Clint Barmes, the Bucs' starting shortstop in 2012-13, is transitioning into a different role, with Jordy Mercer set to take over at the position. Barmes, who saw most of his action at second base for the 2008-10 Rockies after Troy Tulowitzki's arrival, will "work as a utility middle infield guy," Hurdle said.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.