Josh Hamilton's future rests with arbitrator as panel splits on rehab treatment  —  An arbitrator will have to break a split decision about how to handle Josh Hamilton.  —  A four-person panel, which was to determine whether the Angels outfielder should enter a rehabilitation program for substance abuse …

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Dodgers have offered to pay down “about half” the $56 million remaining over three years on Andre Ethier's contract in efforts to trade him, sources familiar with the talks say.  —  Ethier appears to be the likely odd man out in a slightly less crowded Dodgers outfield situation …

‘I thought the bat looked slow’: Scouts on A-Rod  —  The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez at bat in the 6th inning Wednesday.  —  TAMPA — If this were opening night of a Broadway play, it might not reach a second show.  —  “I thought the bat looked slow,” a scout in attendance said.

Zack Wheeler, Mets have something to prove against Nationals this season  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler was talking about how much fun it will be matching up against the Nationals this season, when suddenly he turned the conversation in a direction that suggests the Mets are itching …

‘Boring’ Cardinals know how to win  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals are the team the tabloids and shock-jock shows love to hate.  —  You looking for a juicy quote?  Maybe stir up a little controversy?  Sorry, wrong camp.  —  You looking for pizzazz, a little flair, or at least someone to brag about themselves?

Hosmer, Morales, Rios Power Royals to 13-2 Win Over Rangers  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Eric Hosmer and Royals newcomers Kendrys Morales and Alex Rios hit consecutive first-inning homers, and AL champion Kansas City routed the Texas Rangers 13-2 on Wednesday in the spring training opener for both teams.

Pair among arms vying for two spots on starting staff  —  3/4/15: Anthony DeSclafani discusses his approach and details his game plan during his Spring Training debut in a 4-2 loss vs. the Indians  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians and Reds had their rotation competitions on display on Wednesday afternoon …

Arizona Diamondbacks ideal bullpen may wait until after Opening Day  —  Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale has an idea of who fits into his bullpen.  The problem is, most of those relievers are in the training room right now.  —  Only two healthy players are considered virtual locks for a spot …

Phil Coke “Very Close” To Deal With Unknown Team  —  Left-handed reliever Phil Coke is “very close” to signing a deal and getting into camp, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports on Twitter.  He is expected to have a contract by tomorrow, per the report.

Ross, Montero and Castillo capable of handling Lester, rotation  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon is impressed with what he has seen so far this spring with Jon Lester and his relationship with catcher David Ross  —  MESA, Ariz. — Joe Maddon named Jon Lester as the Opening Night starter.