Slotted at DH, Pujols in lineup for spring debut  —  Angels slugger ahead of schedule by a week, but knee not yet 100 percent  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Albert Pujols is back in action.  The three-time Most Valuable Player and nine-time All-Star will be in the lineup at designated hitter …

Gibson's choice to drop DH displeases Reds' Baker  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — D-backs manager Kirk Gibson and Reds manager Dusty Baker had a testy discussion when they met at home plate for the exchange of lineup cards prior to Monday's game.  —  Baker had wanted to use Shin-Soo Choo …

White Sox, Sale have discussed extension  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — White Sox pitcher Chris Sale confirmed Tuesday his representatives have had discussions with the club about a contract extension.  —  Sale, who is about to enter his second season as a starting pitcher, was an All-Star in 2012 …

Nats, Angels get early nods in Power Rankings  —  Defending-champion Giants, offensively deeper Tigers lurk just behind top two teams  —  This time last year, the Phillies and the Marlins were predicted by many experts and fans to win the National League East.  The Nationals were not considered championship material.

Sox prospect Britton arrested on DUI charge  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox pitcher Drake Britton, a 23-year-old in his first big-league camp, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence and property damage, according to the Lee County Sheriff's office.

Inbox: Could injuries bring Lohse into picture?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers Rangers' fans questions  —  Free agent starter Kyle Lohse is still on the market.  Are the Rangers interested in signing the right-hander?  (AP)  —  With the loss of Martin Perez and other early developments …

Tigers now want to trade for a closer, but it won't be easy  —  Spring training trades aren't easy.  Spring training trades for closers might be even tougher.  —  But the Tigers now realize they have little choice.  —  With hard-throwing rookie Bruce Rondon already showing he can't handle the job …

Rockies Recap: Rockies 6, Cubs 3: Francis sharp, Rosario homers  —  Rockies veteran left-hander Jeff Francis delivers a pitch against the Cubs Tuesday at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Francis threw four scoreless innings, allowing one hit.  —  At Salt River Fields

NY Mets doubt Johan Santana will avoid D.L. but not seeking pitching; Yankees GM Brian Cashman breaks leg  —  The Mets' private expectations for Johan Santana's April 1 availability are even grimmer than their public line of “we'll see.”  Really, there is almost no chance that Santana avoids …

Stubbs embracing fresh start with Indians  —  New team, new position and new spot in batting order for outfielder  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Drew Stubbs needed some time to figure out how he felt after receiving that phone call in December.  The Reds were the only team he knew.

Ramirez Leads Dominican Team in Romp Over Phillies  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez and the Dominican Republic put on a relentless offensive display in their first exhibition game ahead of the World Baseball Classic, amassing 28 hits in a 15-2 romp over Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Kershaw Roughed Up by Padres in 7-3 Loss  —  PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Clayton Kershaw gave up four runs and seven hits in three-plus innings, his third straight sub-par outing of the spring, and the Los Angeles Dodgers lost 7-3 to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.  —  Kershaw has given up nine runs on 17 hits in eight innings.