Mike Moustakas happy to be back with Royals, even if ‘system failed’ him  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — This isn't where he envisioned he would be, and certainly not for the money, receiving a pay cut after the best season of his career, but here was Mike Moustakas, back to where he started.

Cubs renew contract of Ian Happ; Yu Darvish faces Athletics  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs announced the signing of 21 players, including second baseman Javier Baez.  —  But for the first time in the Theo Epstein regime, the team renewed the contract of outfielder Ian Happ at $570,000 …

Derek Jeter takes in Marlins-Yankees game, minus Giancarlo Stanton  —  JUPITER, Fla. — There was no chance at an awkward meeting between Giancarlo Stanton and Marlins CEO and part owner Derek Jeter on Sunday, as the Yankees slugger did not make the trip.  —  “He was off today,” …

Francisco Liriano impressive again; Detroit Tigers beat Braves, 6-3  —  At Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, Fla.  —  What happened: The Tigers beat the Braves, 6-3. ...  Left-hander Francisco Liriano made his second start this spring and was impressive. ...  He struck out four batters over three scoreless innings. ...

For starters: Diego Castillo, Jaime Schultz among today's Rays cuts  —  PORT CHARLOTTE - The Rays made more cuts this morning ahead of their 1 p.m. game with the visiting Twins.  —  RHP Diego Castillo, RHP Jose Mujica, RHP Hunter Wood and RHP Jaime Schultz were optioned to minor-league camp …

Cardinals take ‘A’ lineup to face Nationals  —  JUPITER, Fla.  •The Cardinals will take their prospective opening-day, position-player lineup to West Palm Beach Sunday to play the Washington Nationals, with the exception of Jose Martinez, who will bat third and play first base.

Anibal Sanchez released by Twins after three weeks with team  —  The Minnesota Twins released veteran right-hander Anibal Sanchez on Sunday to create a roster spot for Lance Lynn, who reportedly agreed to a deal with the club Saturday.  —  Lynn's deal is for one year and $12 million, according to multiple reports.

Ryan Braun: 'Don't feel comfortable at all' in making transition to first base  —  PHOENIX — Ryan Braun is willing to play first base if that helps the Milwaukee Brewers strengthen their lineup.  —  That doesn't mean he thinks it will be an easy transition after playing the outfield for the past decade …

Dodgers Spring Training: Ross Stripling To Start Against Rockies, Alex Wood Moved To ‘B’ Game  —  It is getting to that point in Spring Training where the focus shifts to providing Major League players with ample opportunities to fully prepare for Opening Day.

Cincinnati Reds are in tough spot with Dilson Herrera because his injury has kept him from playing defense  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Ideally to fit into the Reds' plans this year, Dilson Herrera could play multiple positions.  —  But, right now, Herrera can't even play second base, his natural position.

Phillies, Jake Arrieta “Moving Close” To Agreement  —  3:37pm: The Phillies and Arrieta “are moving close to a deal,” Jon Heyman of FanRag tweets.  —  1:24pm: Free agent right-hander Jake Arrieta's lengthy stay on the open market is likely to end “in the next couple of days,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets.

Wainwright in line to start home opener  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  • The Cardinals have adjusted their pitching rotation so, that after Monday's scheduled off day, opening day starter Carlos Martinez will pitch on the normal four days' rest against Miami on Tuesday.

No rest for Tommy Pham  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • A day or so earlier, Tommy Pham dove back to first base to avoid a pickoff and his right shoulder split apart, the labrum ripped from the bone like the lid of a yogurt cup.  He lie there, safe, but in “the most pain I've ever been.”

Amed Rosario feels better, Dominic Smith unlikely to make major league squad  —  TAMPA — Amed Rosario wasted no time proving he was healthy Saturday.  The Mets shortstop busted out of the box and ran full speed when he led off the game with a double.  —  “I feel great today,” …

White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez on homering against Cubs: ‘The best is to come’  —  Chicago Tribune  —  White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez was in manager Rick Renteria's ear all day Friday and Saturday morning, asking to return to action for Saturday's game against the Cubs, his former organization.

Walks wreck Mike Fiers' latest start for Tigers  —  Dunedin, Fla — He did not make the Astros' playoff roster last autumn.  And part of the reason for being excused was that he walked too many batters in a 2017 season that saw him roll up a 5.22 ERA in 29 games, 28 of them starts.

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart is showing he can hit as well as play defense  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Tucker Barnhart won the Reds' No. 1 catching job with his defense.  —  Barnhart, in fact, last season became the first Reds catcher to win the Gold Glove since Johnny Bench.