3/21 Morning BP: Australian Opening Series nearing start

Mar 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher

(22) pitches the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

We’re here. We’re finally here.

In less than 24 hours, the Opening Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks will kick off in Sydney, Australia. Although many don’t consider this to be a ‘real’ game, it will count in the standings, marking the start of the 2014 season.

Apart from baseball in the Southern Hemisphere, several other items are worth taking note of. Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, who was hit in the face with a line drive several days back, had surgery to stabilize the fracture, the Braves are going to lose Brandon Beachy once again, after he was told he needed to have his ligament replaced again and Manny Machado has been cleared by a doctor to resume activities with no limitations.

Here’s the latest from around the world of Major League Baseball.

“Tyler Flowers is the starting catcher by default” – Southside Showdown

“Chapman could pitch in 4-6 weeks” – ESPN.com

“Dodgers, Dbacks get season started down under” – MLB.com

“Brandon Beachy to have elbow fixed” – ESPN.com

“Doc lifts Machado’s knee restrictions” – ESPN.com