Top News:
Peter Botte / New York Daily News:
Jordan Montgomery nails down the No. 5 spot in Yankees rotation — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Jordan Montgomery has taken the fifth. — The second-year lefty was the presumptive favorite to round out the Yankees' starting rotation to open 2018, but manager Aaron Boone made it official …
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Steven Matz finally pitches himself into Mets rotation battle with four scoreless innings — LAKELAND, Fla. - Steven Matz has finally found some confidence in his fastball. — The conviction that the Mets lefty was lacking his first two starts of spring, came back to him Friday.
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Kevin Plawecki continues to impress in spring training, will get more starts in 2018 season — LAKELAND, Fla. — Kevin Plawecki is apparently earning a lot more playing time with his performance this spring. The catcher who has mostly backed up Travis d'Arnaud has impressed the new staff enough …
Bradford DoolittleESPN / ESPN:
From Harvey's revival to Thor's heat, all things remain possible for Mets' talented but fragile rotation
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Alex Wilson headed back to Detroit Tigers' bullpen — LAKELAND, Fla. — Alex Wilson's audition for a starting rotation spot is over. — As expected, the Tigers will deploy Wilson — one of their most reliable relievers for the past three seasons — out of the bullpen this season, manager Ron Gardenhire said on Friday afternoon.
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Associated Press:
MLB notebook: Cubs' Baez has hamstring injury — The left hamstring of Javier Baez isn't 100 percent, as the Cubs infielder initially thought an hour after suffering a cramp during Thursday's spring game. — Manager Joe Maddon indicated that Baez probably won't play in either …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Jon Lester believes Cubs ‘are in a good place’ getting ready to go — Chicago Tribune — The positive vibes around the Cubs spring clubhouse suggest a lesson has been learned after falling short of a second consecutive World Series appearance. — “Guys (were) going through …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
ESPN:
Shohei Ohtani admits ‘adjustments need to be made’ after rough start — Los Angeles Angels rookie Shohei Ohtani gave up six runs in a shaky three-inning start Friday in a “B” game against the Mexican League's Tijuana Toros. — Ohtani, 23, was scheduled for 60 pitches in four innings, but he reached 64 pitches after only three.
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Orange County Register
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Jeff Miller / Los Angeles Times:
Shohei Ohtani fails to bring ‘A’ game to Angels' ‘B’ game
Shohei Ohtani fails to bring ‘A’ game to Angels' ‘B’ game
Discussion:
Sporting News
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Norris is on course for bullpen duty — • The Cardinals could have eight relievers, to go with five starters, when their season starts March 29. And newcomer Bud Norris will be among the former group, manager Mike Matheny said before the Cardinals' 4-2 exhibition loss to the Houston Astros on Friday night.
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Nate Jones looks like early leader in White Sox closer's battle — Chicago Tribune — The battle for White Sox closer's job could go down to the final days of camp, and manager Rick Renteria isn't tipping his hand between Nate Jones and Joakim Soria. — “We're looking at guys that have done …
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Coming attractions a mixed bag at White Sox camp
Column: Coming attractions a mixed bag at White Sox camp
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Martin Gallegos / Orlando Sentinel:
Report: A's sign catcher Eustis native Jonathan Lucroy — East Bay Times — The A's dipped into free agency to grab All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who reportedly will sign a one-year deal with Oakland. — MLB.com's Jane Lee reported the A's are bringing in the 31-year-old to help solve …
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Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Oakland A's agree to one-year deal with Jonathan Lucroy, sources say
Oakland A's agree to one-year deal with Jonathan Lucroy, sources say
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Wacha, Cecil to work against Marlins — JUPITER, Fla. • Righthander Michael Wacha will make his third start of the spring for the Cardinals Saturday. And lefthander Brett Cecil will appear in a varsity game for the first time this year when the Cardinals play yet another exhibition game …
Ronald Blum / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
NEW YORK • Facebook is getting deeper into the professional sports streaming game, partnering with Major League Baseball to air 25 weekday afternoon games, including a Cardinals game in April, in an exclusive deal. — The games will be available to Facebook users in the U.S. on Facebook Watch …
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds hope Luis Castillo comes up aces — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Call him the Great Right(-handed) Hope. — Luis Castillo represents the latest young Reds pitcher who could be, might be, hopefully will be a top of the rotation pitcher. When he see Castillo follow a 98 mph fastball ball …
Matt Breen / Philly.com:
Gabe Kapler is joined in dugout by a baseball lifer in Rob Thomson | Matt Breen — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Gabe Kapler sat Friday afternoon behind the protective netting just past the Phillies' on-deck circle. To his left — during all nine innings of a loss to Pittsburgh - was Rob Thomson …
Tampa Bay Times:
Rays spring training info: at Phillies (Clearwater), 1:05 — The Rays play their first of two games in four days in Clearwater against the Phillies today, with a return engagement on Tuesday.At Phillies1:05, Spectrum Field, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater