Rays journal: Tendon strain in pitching elbow slows Brad Boxberger's return (w/ video)  —  ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Brad Boxberger has been cleared to resume throwing, but the injury that has him on the shelf to start the season is not the lat strain he suffered early in spring training.

Mets fans hail Matt Harvey after dominating in first start since July … NEW YORK — Matt Harvey walked from the mound to the dugout and raised his glove with his pitching hand, acknowledging fans chanting his name.  —  At least for a night, The Dark Knight returned.

Richard Sherman Trade Talk: ‘There Is No Bad Blood’  —  The Seahawks are shopping their star corner, a surprising development that actually makes sense for both parties.  Here's a look into why it is being discussed.  Plus the latest on draft buzz, marijuana news and Romo

Patrick Mahomes visiting Cleveland Browns on Friday  —  Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes is on the Browns radar in the first or second round.  (David J. Phillip)  —  CLEVELAND, Ohio — Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes arrived in Cleveland Thursday night for a pre-draft visit …

Yankees likely will not pursue Masahiro Tanaka if he opts out of contract, source says  —  The Yankees will look to say Sayonara to Masahiro Tanaka at the end of the season.  —  Sources tell the Daily News that if the Japanese ace opts out of his $155 million contract …

Short Relief: Love of Elevation, The Sultan of Statcast, and An 8-Bit Scouting Report  —  Love of Elevation, The Sultan of Statcast, and An 8-Bit Scouting Report  —  Coors Field At Different Altitudes  —  Thin air enthusiasts were overjoyed with the news that the Rockies extended their lease with Coors Field for another 30 years.

With underwhelming debut, Phillies should have short leash with Buchholz … CONNECT  —  CINCINNATI - Clay Buchholz's Philadelphia Phillies debut reaffirmed questions about the veteran rather than quelled the spring training concerns.  —  Buchholz was fortunate to face a mediocre lineup …

Bullpen woes, walks pile up as Royals suffer rare three-game sweep in Minnesota  —  MINNEAPOLIS  —  In the shadow of another lost afternoon, after a 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, after a third bullpen letdown, after the first three-game sweep to begin a season in 16 years …

Braves To Sign Ryan Howard  —  The Braves have agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran slugger Ryan Howard, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman (Twitter link).  He'll head to extended Spring Training before taking a minor-league assignment.  Howard will earn at a palatable $750K annual rate …

Arizona Diamondbacks' offense carrying the load early … CONNECT  —  Through three games, the Diamondbacks' rotation has yet to log a quality start.  Their bullpen and defense have had bouts of porousness and unreliability.  Their offense, however, has performed as advertised.

Orioles Acquire Andrew Faulkner, Release Dariel Alvarez  —  The Orioles announced that they've acquired left-hander Andrew Faulkner from the Rangers and released outfielder/pitcher Dariel Alvarez to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.  Baltimore will send cash or a player to be named later to the Rangers to complete the swap.