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 …

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.

25-man roster set, Santana, Marcum, Mejia and Francisco on 15-day DL  —  Johan Santana, Shaun Marcum, Jenrry Mejia, and Frank Francisco have officially been put on the 15-day disabled list.  —  The Mets announced yesterday that Santana will undergo a second surgery tomorrow to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.

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.

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.

An interview with Kevin Towers; roster & lineup set; & other stuff  —  While working on season-preview stuff a couple of weeks ago, I was able to sit down with Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers and ask him a whole bunch of questions.  —  We talked for about 20 minutes …

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 …

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 …