Baseball-Major League Baseball roundup

March 31 (The Sports Xchange) - The average Major League Baseball salary will cross the $4 million threshold when the regular season begins next week. According to an Associated Press analysis, the average salary is projected to be about $4.25 million in 2015. Topping the list is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw at $31 million, followed by Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander at $28 million, Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke at $27 million and Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton at $25.4 million. - - Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon is getting a third opinion on his injured right knee that was originally diagnosed as an MCL sprain. Rendon was injured in a March 9 game against the Atlanta Braves while making a diving stop. He has not played since then, but the knee remains sore after rest and treatment. - - For the second straight season, the Baltimore Orioles will hand to the ball to right-hander Chris Tillman for the Opening Day start. Tillman, 26, finished last season with a 13-6 record and a 3.34 ERA in 34 starts covering 207 1/3 innings. He surpassed 200 innings for the second consecutive season. - - Grady Sizemore could open the season as the right fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, who will be without Dominic Brown for the start of the season. Brown was informed Tuesday that he will be placed on the disabled list before the Phillies open the season Monday (April 6) because of tendinitis in his left Achilles. Brown has been injured since March 19. - - The commissioner's office suspended pitcher Jose Mijares for 50 games without pay on Tuesday for violating the minor league's drug prevention and treatment program. Mijares, a free agent left-hander, tested positive a second time for a drug of abuse. The suspension will begin immediately after he signs with a major league organization. (Editing by Frank Pingue)