Nova settles down after early hiccup  —  SARASOTA, Fla. — Adam Jones and Matt Wieters went deep in the first inning — the first home runs of the spring for each — to lead the Orioles to a 6-3 victory over the Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium on Sunday night.  —  After Endy Chavez led off …

Tough day for Ross in first spring start  —  LAS VEGAS — Rookie left-hander Robbie Ross, who has emerged as a candidate for the bullpen, made his first start of the spring on Sunday against the Brewers in Phoenix and was roughed up.  He lasted just 2 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on five hits.

Nats option top prospect Harper to Triple-A  —  VIERA, Fla. — After striking out four times in an 11-7 loss to the Tigers on Sunday, Nationals top prospect Bryce Harper was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, where he will play mostly center field.  He will also see some action in right.

Maddux: Didn't pull out of running for Cubs manager  —  Says Sveum deserved job  —  Mike Maddux (Phil Velasquez/Tribune photo)  —  LAS VEGAS — Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux denied pulling out of the running for the Cubs managerial vacancy before the Cubs gave the job to Dale Sveum.

Prospect of Jury Trial in Mets' Madoff Case May Push Sides Toward Settlement  —  As in any civil case, there has always been a chance that the owners of the Mets and the trustee for the victims of Bernard L. Madoff's Ponzi scheme could settle before trial.  But across the past year of acrimony, that prospect has often seemed remote.

David must get healthy to stay face of Mets  —  Mets on Twitter  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — David Wright remains certain he will be ready for Opening Day, even though that game against the Braves at Citi Field is only 17 days away and the Mets third baseman still is not taking batting practice …

Time running out as Sanchez aims for roster  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz — With two and a half weeks left in the Cactus season, players are starting to hit their stride.  The light at the end of the tunnel is visible, and players are talking about feeling ready for the regular season.

Nova Allows 5 Runs in Yankees' 6-3 Loss to Orioles  —  SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Ivan Nova allowed five runs in four innings and his hold on a spot in the New York Yankees' starting rotation grew more tenuous with a 6-3 loss to a Baltimore Orioles split squad Sunday night.

Capuano finishes strong in rainout with Angels  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Dodgers and Angels deadlocked, 1-1, on Sunday in a game rained out after 5 1/2 innings at a chilly Camelback Ranch.  —  The Angels scored in the first inning on singles by Kole Calhoun and Albert Pujols and a sacrifice fly …

Liriano throws five hitless innings for Twins  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Francisco Liriano threw five hitless innings Sunday, and the Minnesota Twins allowed just one hit in a 10-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates .  —  The Pirates did not get a hit until Brandon Boggs singled off non-roster invitee Luis Perdomo in the eighth inning.