AP sources: Free agent ace Arrieta, Phillies reach 3-yr deal  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Two people familiar with the deal tell The Associated Press that free agent ace Jake Arrieta and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a three-year deal.  —  Both people spoke to the AP on condition …

Jacob deGrom strikes out four as right-hander eases Mets' concerns in spring debut  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - If Mets fans had any concerns about ace Jacob deGrom's early spring training back pain and whether that would hinder the right-hander's preparation for the 2018 season, deGrom came out blazing Sunday in his Grapefruit League debut.

Fowler back at leadoff but with less pressure  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  • The phrase that followed Dexter Fowler around Wrigley Field, through the World Series, and all the way to St. Louis as a free agent, was four-words long and T-shirt slogan catchy: “You go, we go.”

White Sox outfielder Nicky Delmonico suffers partial shoulder separation  —  Chicago Tribune  —  White Sox left fielder Nicky Delmonico was removed after a nasty collision with shortstop Tyler Saladino while they attempted to catch a pop-up in the seventh inning of Sunday's 6-5 win over the Diamondbacks.

Jordan Montgomery wants to show Yankees he is worthy of being named fifth starter  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Jordan Montgomery officially was named on Friday as the fifth starter in the Yankees' rotation, and he fully understands that he must pitch like he warrants that designation.

Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018 … David Peralta is one of the more well-liked and nonjudgmental players on the Diamondbacks' roster, so even when he says something a little controversial his teammates can be assured it wasn't anything personal.

Marlins' Jose Urena not excited about starting Opening Day, keeps focus on goals for season  —  Sun Sentinel  —  Jose Urena is joining an illustrious list of pitchers who have started on Opening Day for the Marlins, from Charlie Hough to Jose Fernandez.  —  Dontrelle Willis …

Reds manager Bryan Price: “We're going to need some resources” in wake of DeSclafani, Finnegan injuries  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Forget about batting average and ERAs.  The only thing that really mattered for the Reds this spring was the health of the three starting pitchers who spent the majority of last season on the disabled list.

Joe Maddon praises Cubs spring roster's depth, competitiveness  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The quality depth Joe Maddon has observed at Cubs camp has made the manager even more comfortable with a 25-man roster that's virtually set.  —  So don't expect a late spring addition as the last batch …

Willy Adames, Jake Bauers and Christian Arroyo headline Rays' cuts  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — The Rays optioned the core of what is expected to be the next wave of prospects to reach Tropicana Field when they sent SS Willy Adames, INF/OF Jake Bauers and INF Christian Arroyo to minor-league camp before Sunday's 6-5 loss to the visiting Twins.

Fantasy Baseball Preview: Corner infielders  —  Our fantasy baseball primer takes on a new look this year, narrowing its focus to key in on a handful of players to remember at each position — for both positive and negative reasons.  We begin our four-part series with the corner infielders …

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.

Next Slide  —  At Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday.  —  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. ...

Olney: Nobody may want an offseason do-over more than Scott Boras  —  There is no notation on the calendar, no government declaration, but many agents treated Friday as a holiday, a time for celebration.  The text messages might as well have contained ascending balloons and exploding fireworks …

Sean Manaea continues to develop his slider in second spring start  —  MESA, Ariz. — A's pitcher Sean Manaea's slider has improved this spring, but Sunday's start against the Cubs showed the pitch is definitely still a work in progress.  —  Facing Kyle Schwarber in the second inning …