Sources: Andrus, Rangers nearing deal  —  The Texas Rangers suffered a disappointing loss on Opening Night, but they appear to be on the verge of a coup with far greater implications.  —  A contract extension for shortstop Elvis Andrus.  —  The Rangers are close to signing Andrus to a new eight-year deal …

Red Sox Designate Mauro Gomez For Assignment  —  The Red Sox have announced they have designated infielder Mauro Gomez for assignment.  The move was made to create room on the 40-man roster for Jackie Bradley, Jr. The Red Sox now have ten days to trade, release, or outright Gomez to the minors.

Fernandez called up on whirlwind day of transactions  —  Hard-throwing righty summoned because of injuries to Marlins' starting rotation  —  WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jose Fernandez is on Miami's Opening Day roster after all.  —  An unexpected series of events led to the Marlins reversing course on Fernandez …

Bob Turley, former Orioles pitcher, dies  —  Pitched Orioles first home game in Baltimore  —  Bob Turley, a hard-throwing right-hander who won the Orioles' first home game, died of liver cancer early Saturday morning, according to his son Terry Turley.  He was 82.

Astros Strong in AL Debut, Top Texas in MLB Opener  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Rick Ankiel and the Houston Astros made an impressive debut in the American League, trouncing the Texas Rangers 8-2 Sunday night in the major league opener and giving Bo Porter a win in his first game as manager.

Terry Francona relishes fresh start with Indians  —  Refreshed, energized, and with something to prove, Terry Francona embarks on his third managerial mission, this one as challenging as he's ever had.  —  It's not often that a two-time World Series-winning manager has to step back and restart …

Bernie: Designated hitter will debut in NL  —  Because you live in a National League town, I'm guessing that you despise the American League's use of the designated hitter.  —  This affront to baseball tradition has been going on for 40 seasons now.  Starting in 1973, and activated …

MLB salaries: Yankees, A-Rod reign as cash changes hands  —  HOUSTON - The New York Yankees insist they're in cost-cutting mode, but for the 15th consecutive year they will have Major League Baseball's top opening-day payroll at a record $228.8 million, according to USA TODAY Sports' annual salary survey.

Nolasco a reliable presence atop Marlins' staff  —  Turnover leaves club with easy call for Opening Day starter against Nationals  —  MIAMI — Seniority made the decision a rather easy one.  Then again, so did Ricky Nolasco's years of service and previous success.

Leyland: Verlander's deal great for club, pitcher, fans  —  ST. PETERSBURG — A day after the Tigers and ace Justin Verlander agreed to a record-breaking contract extension, Detroit manager Jim Leyland chimed in on the idea of having Verlander in a Tigers uniform for, potentially, his entire career.

A Booth Review: The Daily News chats with SNY broadcasters Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling  —  Cohen, Hernandez and Darling know that honesty is the only way to earn credibility in New York.  —  The trio of Ron Darling, Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez has cultivated a blunt style.