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.

Yankees roster questions: Tyler Wade over Gleyber Torres?  Miguel Andujar or Brandon Drury?  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - More than midway through Yankees camp, there are still a few more roster questions than answers as the 2018 season approaches.  —  So, with just under three weeks …

Detroit Tigers' Michael Fulmer strong in return, no say on Opening Day  —  The Detroit Tigers started Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, with individual pictures, followed by practice.  First rounder pitcher Alex Faedo faced major-league hitters for the first time, too.  Video by Kirthmon F. Dozier/DFP Wochit

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Oakland A's aren't nearly as boring as you think  —  MESA, Ariz. — The Houston Astros are baseball's reigning World Series champions.  Shohei Ohtani is sucking up so much attention at Los Angeles Angels' camp, Mike Trout can barely get a mention.  The Seattle Mariners have three potential Hall …

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 …

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 …

Astros downplay potential World Series hangover, say they're ‘not the Cubs’  —  No team ever thinks that they'll succumb to the dreaded World Series hangover.  They know the risks, they managed the offseason, everything is fine.  —  The Houston Astros aren't the Cubs, but they have Chicago's post-World Series arrogance down.

For starters: Rays at Phillies, with Eovaldi on the mound  —  RHP Nathan Eovaldi takes the next step in his comeback from his second Tommy John surgery today when he starts against the Phillies in Clearwater.Eovaldi, seeking to become the 32nd pitcher and 12th