Boone embraces Yankees' expectations as spring training starts  —  On the day pitchers and catchers reported for his first spring training as New York Yankees manager, Aaron Boone acknowledged the pressure.  —  “Embrace that expectation,” Boone said Tuesday.  “Expect to go out there and be great.

Notebook: Gausman, Orioles avoid arbitration  —  Orioles, starter Gausman avoid arbitration hearing  —  The Orioles avoided an arbitration hearing with starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, agreeing to a $5.6 million, one-year contract.  —  Gausman's hearing had been scheduled for Wednesday.

Yu Darvish signing limits free-agent flexibility for Cubs next offseason  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The signing of Yu Darvish to a six-year, $126 million contract still allows the Cubs some flexibility to add a midseason reinforcement.  —  But landing another marquee free agent next offseason …

Phillies like their pitchers, but could still add  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — There will not be much drama as the Phillies finalize their roster after six weeks of spring training as the major decision will be choosing a fifth starter from the handful of arms in the race.

Detroit Tigers' Daniel Stumpf favorite for lefty role, never satisfied  —  Watch as the Detroit Tigers' pitchers and catchers warm up with a game of catch on the first day of spring training on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, in Lakeland, Fla. Video by Anthony Fenech/DFP

As Cardinals camp opens, Gregerson relishes opportunity to finish where he started  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • There were times, way back in 2006 as a late-round reliever marooned at Class A, that Luke Gregerson was certain the next call coming to the bullpen for him wouldn't send him into the game but home, back to school.

Cincinnati Reds spring training notes: How does Scooter Gennett roll?  In an RV, of course.  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — If anyone ever asks you how long it takes to drive from the Reds old spring training home in Florida to the new one in Arizona, you can answer “32 hours” with confidence.

New manager Mickey Callaway has big ideas for Mets  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — For a first-time manager, Mickey Callaway was mighty bold about his own expectations with the New York Mets.  —  “The front office has gotten us the players.  The coaching staff is the best coaching staff in the big leagues,” he said Tuesday.

Starting pitching: With Jimmy Nelson on the mend, Brewers rotation up for grabs entering camp  —  Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell has pitching concerns to address.  He talked about some of his options at the 2017 Winter Meetings.  Milwaukee Brewers video  —  CONNECT

Shohei Ohtani's main impact will come as a pitcher, Mike Scioscia says  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani is quickly discovering how his every move at Los Angeles Angels' camp will be scrutinized this spring.  About 50 Japanese media members gathered at the entrance of the player parking lot …

Ex-A's right-hander Jarrod Parker retires after career derailed by injuries  —  A%E2%80%99s+Chris+Bassitt+discusses+ rotation+  —  Chris+Bassitt+on+competing+for+ A%E2%80%99s+rotation+spot+  —  Pitcher Chris Bassitt talks about competing for a starting job with the Oakland Athletics.

Padres pitcher Jose Torres facing domestic violence charges  —  Padres reliever Jose Torres was arrested in December after a dispute in which he allegedly brandished a semiautomatic handgun.  —  The incident occurred in the home Torres shares with a woman in Phoenix and is being handled …

Detroit Tigers great Jack Morris star-struck after Hall of Fame tour  —  COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. - No longer the emotional wreck he was on that special day in December, Jack Morris settled into a director's chair inside the Baseball Hall of Fame's Plaque Gallery, a satisfied smile creasing his face.

White Sox reliever Nate Jones says he's healthy, ready to contend for closer role  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Nate Jones was on the mound when Matt Davidson stepped into the batter's box to track pitches for the veteran White Sox reliever.  —  “I was warning him: 'Hey, man …

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo preaches competition on eve of camp  —  With about 10 minutes to spare between meetings, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo ducked outside and settled into a patio chair at Salt River Fields on Tuesday afternoon.  —  In less than 24 hours …