Mets' Jeurys Familia suspended 15 games for domestic violence incident  —  New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia was suspended for 15 games by Major League Baseball after an off-season domestic violence incident, it was announced Wednesday.  —  Familia, 27, was charged with simple assault …

Reds Claim Scooter Gennett  —  The Reds have claimed second baseman Scooter Gennett off waivers from the Brewers, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports on Twitter.  It's not yet clear what the corresponding 40-man roster move will be.  —  Gennett, 26, agreed to a $2.525MM contract …

Nationals Release Vance Worley  —  The Nationals have announced the release of veteran righty Vance Worley.  With several other pitchers re-assigned to minor-league camp, fellow righty Jeremy Guthrie is left as the only non-roster hurler in MLB camp, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post notes (Twitter links).

Patriots will steer clear of controversial Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon  —  PHOENIX — Patriots owner Robert Kraft is continuing to maintain his strong stance against domestic violence abusers.  —  That's why the Patriots absolutely will not even consider drafting Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon next month, according to a source.

Oakland Coliseum stadium authority doesn't want Raiders to return in 2019  —  The landlord of the Oakland Coliseum has been losing money on Raiders games and might force the team out of its current facility before its new, $1.9 billion Las Vegas stadium is ready in 2020.

Cubs' final roster spot coming down to Matt Szczur or Tommy La Stella  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon on Addison Russell and Munenori Kawasaki on March 27, 2017.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The truck transporting the Cubs equipment and personal belongings …

Pirates Release Jared Hughes  —  The Pirates have requested release waivers on righty Jared Hughes, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter).  Pittsburgh had previously agreed to a $2.825MM arbitration with Hughes and will remain responsible for at least a portion (roughly one-sixth) …

Source: Detroit Tigers' Anibal Sanchez to start season in long relief  —  In this week's episode, Anthony Fenech says why JaCoby Jones is looking like the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day centerfielder and analyzes Anibal Sanchez's re-emergence.  Subscribe to “Talkin' Tigers” in iTunes or Google Play.

Good news for Conley, Wittgren as Marlins make more cuts and final roster decisions near  —  Marlins manager Don Mattingly details the thought process behind sending lefty Justin Nicolino to Triple-A New Orleans, as opposed to using him in the major league rotation or bullpen.  —  Sun Sentinel

It Might Be Miller Time at a Ballpark Near You  —  Andrew Miller's unconventional usage gave Cleveland an enviable edge last season and left numerous MLB teams searching for their own Miller-type.  How many clubs intend to deploy a flexible facsimile this spring?  We asked.

Cubs Return Rule 5 Pick Caleb Smith To Yankees  —  The Cubs are returning left-hander Caleb Smith to the Yankees, reports Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago (Twitter link).  Chicago selected Smith in the Rule 5 draft in December.  —  The 25-year-old Smith potentially could have made the Cubs' bullpen …