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 …

Scott on DL with strained calf, could be out five weeks  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Luke Scott was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, backdated to March 24, after receiving a cortisone shot in his strained right calf.  —  Scott aggravated his calf Friday after his first at-bat in a Triple …

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.

Mariners cut Wells, keep Bay to set roster  —  OAKLAND — Casper Wells was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Sunday, leaving Jason Bay as the final outfielder on Seattle's 25-man roster as the team prepares for Monday night's opener against the A's.

Cards Notebook: A first for Craig  —  • By Rick Hummel rhummel@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8196  —  • Allen Craig has been with the Cardinals for all or parts of the previous three seasons and he's caught the last out of a World Series.  But he's never been on the field for the first out of the season until tonight.

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 …