Royals' Jorge Soler strains oblique, could begin season on disabled list  —  SURPRISE, ARIZ.  —  Just eight days before opening day, Royals outfielder Jorge Soler's spring hit a familiar and painful snag.  —  Soler, 25, strained an oblique muscle while competing in a minor-league game Sunday afternoon, Royals manager Ned Yost said.

International Reviews: Atlanta Braves  —  Total signings: 33.  —  Between signing bonuses and their upcoming overage tax payment, the Braves have invested nearly $27 million to sign international prospects during the 206-17 signing period.  The crown jewel of the international signing class …

It's looking like the Yankees and Red Sox will dominate the AL East again soon  —  A rival executive makes an interesting point: By 2019, the AL East could be back to what it was for much of the 2000s — the Yankees, Red Sox and everyone else.  —  Predicting the future is always dangerous …

Andrew Knapp gets nod over veteran catchers for Phillies … CLEARWATER, Fla. - Andrew Knapp knows the numbers are now in his favor.  —  The Phillies released veterans catchers Ryan Hanigan and Bryan Holaday on Monday, making Knapp one of only two catchers remaining in big-league camp, alongside starter Cameron Rupp.

Outlook shaky as usual as Marlins try to end playoff drought  —  MIAMI (AP) The Miami Marlins begin their 25th season without their late ace, his legacy tarnished by recently disclosed details of his death, which somehow makes the shadow over the franchise even heavier.

Mets' Zack Wheeler throws five shutout innings  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The forgotten man stood with his back to the wall, water dripping from the ice wrap coiled tight around his once-vulnerable right elbow.  He still was cooling off from the closest thing to a big-league game he's experienced in more than two years.

Phillies prospect Nick Williams said that despite advice, he had to learn lessons for himself  —  Ironpigs Nick Williams (4) comes across the plate for the score against the Rochester Red Wings during 3rd inning action of a class AAA International League baseball game .  —  Of The Morning Call

Bill O'Brien and Texans to discuss extension next offseason  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Even though Texans coach Bill O'Brien has posted winning records in each of his first three seasons and has won back-to-back AFC South titles, he will not be getting an extension this year.

Bronson Arroyo: “I'm literally about to pull off the impossible”  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Bronson Arroyo feels normal, and that's pretty abnormal.  —  It's been nearly three years since the 40-year-old has thrown a pitch in the major leagues.  He's spent most of that time fighting to come …

Diamondbacks Release Gregor Blanco  —  9:29pm: Arizona would like to re-sign Blanco, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic (Twitter links).  With an oblique injury slowing Blanco, the club wasn't “comfortable making the call on him for the Opening Day roster tomorrow” (the Article XX(B) deadline), thus leading to tonight's move.

Optimistic Braves believe rebuilding is finally behind them  —  ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves hardly sound like a team coming off a last-place finish.  —  These guys are talking playoffs.  —  “We've said it the last couple of years.  We mean it this year,” slugging first baseman Freddie Freeman …

Jose Canseco joins NBC Sports California's A's TV coverage  —  MESA, Ariz. — Through all of the controversy and sensational headlines that have marked his baseball career and beyond, one constant has stood firm in regard to Jose Canseco:  —  The man speaks exactly what's on his mind.