Nationals exercise 2016 option on contract of Manager Matt Williams  —  Facebook: Nationals  —  Your browser does not support iframes.  —  The Washington Nationals exercised the 2016 club option on manager Matt Williams' contract on Saturday, solidifying the 2014 BBWAA National League Manager …

Yankees manager Joe Girardi is open to two closers  —  TAMPA — Dellin Betances?  Andrew Miller?  Both?  Welcome to the Yankees' closer situation.  —  Last year, David Robertson had a seamless transition as Mariano Rivera's successor, but the Yankees enter this spring without a clear-cut answer at the closer spot.

Peralta behind schedule due to right-shoulder discomfort  —  7/2/14: Joel Peralta pitches a scoreless frame vs. the Yankees, tying him with Esteban Yan for the most appearances by a Rays pitcher  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Dodgers are already without closer Kenley Jansen because of foot surgery …

‘Fan favorite’ Papelbon seems to soften over leaving Phillies'  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - After playing catch and running through pitcher's fielding practice on the second day of camp yesterday, Jonathan Papelbon changed into his street clothes and asked a media relations representative a question.

Dodgers Sign Brandon Beachy  —  The Dodgers have announced that they've signed righty Brandon Beachy to a one-year deal.  Beachy will receive $2.75MM, and the Dodgers will get a club option for 2016 that can be worth between $3MM and $6MM depending on how much Beachy pitches in 2015.

Rays' McGee working back from elbow surgery  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — Slowly but relatively surely, Rays LHP Jake McGee is working his way back from arthroscopic elbow surgery to what looks like a late April/early May return.  —  “Day by day,” he said.  —  McGee has been playing catch three days …

Votto arrives in camp  —  Reds first baseman Joey Votto arrived to Reds camp a little early on Saturday, ahead of Monday's full-squad report date.  Votto spoke with the media and was asked about a variety of topics — including his health after he missed 100 games last season with a distal strain …

Giants manager feeling ‘really good’ after insertion of stents to relieve heart trouble  —  MLB.com Giants reporter Chris Haft discusses Bruce Bochy undergoing a medical procedure after experiencing discomfort in his heart  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Giants manager Bruce Bochy was released Friday …

Rockies outfielder arrives to camp early looking to erase disappointing 2014 season  —  Despite persistent health woes, Carlos Gonzalez has produced at high levels in the past and has the potential to hit for a ton of power  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The shatter of ball meeting speeding bat …

Angels' Josh Hamilton could be out a month longer than expected  —  There is no locker for Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton in the team's Tempe Diablo Stadium clubhouse this spring, and there is a good chance one won't be needed.  —  General Manager Jerry Dipoto acknowledged on Friday that Hamilton …

Shields rebuffed bigger Giants offer weeks before landing in San Diego  —  While there's still no evidence James Shields received or rebuffed a rumored $110 million, five-year offer this winter, Shields did turn down an $80 million, four-year proposal from the Giants a few weeks before signing …