Waino dazzling in five innings against Astros  —  Yes, it was only for five innings and, yes, it was an exhibition game.  But the step by step progression of the 36-year-old Wainwright this spring has been palpable after critics and even supporters had wondered in the off-season what might …

Extra innings to start with runner at 2nd base in minors  —  Extra innings throughout the minor leagues will start with a runner at second base.  —  In addition, the pitch clock that began at Triple-A and Double-A in 2015 will be lowered from 20 seconds to 15 when there are no runners on base …

Would the Yankees relievers ride in a retro bullpen cart?  At least D-Rob is a “yes”  —  TAMPA, Fla. - In a bygone era, when spring training was a time to shed winter pounds, bullpen carts often delivered relievers - some wearing handlebar mustaches - into big-league games.

Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes sidelined after receiving cortisone injection for injury  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Yoenis Cespedes' wrist isn't a minor issue anymore.  —  The outfielder received a cortisone shot in his right wrist Tuesday according to the Mets, and will now rest to let it heal.

Cubs' Kris Bryant wants to walk more, whiff less; says, ‘I want to be great’  —  Sign-Up for our Newsletter … SURPRISE, Ariz. — It's been a while since Kris Bryant cried about being called out on strikes.  Let's call it a little more than half a lifetime ago, in his native Las Vegas.

Aaron Judge to Manny Machado: 'You'd look pretty good in pinstripes, too'  —  One year after attempting to woo Giancarlo Stanton to his New York Yankees, Aaron Judge is trying to recruit another one of baseball's most feared hitters to add to his team's already dangerous lineup.

Former Red Sox manager John Farrell joins Reds as scout  —  The Cincinnati Reds have added John Farrell as a scout.  —  It will be Farrell's first job since the Red Sox dismissed him as their manager last October with one year left on his contract.  He posted a 432-378 record over five seasons …

Carlos Gonzalez: ‘Proud’ to play 10 years in Colorado, OK with free-agency try  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Carlos Gonzalez says he has no regrets about his first voyage into free agency.  —  “I'm glad I'm back.  I'm wearing the same uniform I've been wearing for the last nine seasons …

Martin Prado still recovering from knee surgery, will start year on DL  —  MIAMI — The Marlins say third baseman Martin Prado will begin the season on the disabled list while he recovers from right knee surgery.  —  Hamstring and knee injuries limited Prado to 37 games last year …

Eloy Jimenez among 8 White Sox trimmed from major-league camp  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Eloy Jimenez Show has been moved to the back fields of Camelback Ranch.  —  The White Sox's top prospect was among eight players trimmed from the major-league camp Wednesday.

Actor Jim Caviezel stands in for Royals coach Dale Sveum in photo  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Actor Jim Caviezel has played Jesus and golfer Bobby Jones on the big screen.  On Wednesday, he portrayed Kansas City Royals bench coach Dale Sveum.  —  Sveum had a medical appointment for his stiff neck …

As Nationals reassign Bryan Harper, could Bryce's brother still break into majors this year?  —  The Washington Post  —  No one expected Bryan Harper, brother of Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper, to crack the Nationals' opening day roster.  That he played well enough to earn …

Tim Lincecum on legacy, loss and identity: ‘I realized I care about baseball so much’  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Tim Lincecum climbs into his black Porsche Turbo 911 this early afternoon, pulls out of the Texas Rangers' parking lot, drives past the security checkpoint, and there they are, waiting for him.

Dodgers renew contracts of Cody Bellinger ($585K), Corey Seager ($605K)  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers have renewed the contracts of 2017 National League Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger for $585,000 and of 2016 NL Rookie of the Year Corey Seager for $605,000.

John Middleton's Phillies will never be cheap |  Bob Brookover  —  The optic was not good, but it belied the truth.  Yes, the Phillies arrived in spring training with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball and that is not where they belong.  —  Early in spring training …

Brewers C Stephen Vogt not expected back for Opening Day  —  The Brewers are not expected to have catcher Stephen Vogt for Opening Day after a second opinion on his ailing right shoulder revealed a strained capsule.  —  Vogt, 33, will be shut down indefinitely.

Addison Russell believes throwing adjustments he's making will pay off  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The throws that occasionally would tail and dip now head toward the chest of first baseman Anthony Rizzo.  —  And the chatter regarding a position switch involving shortstop Addison Russell has subsided for now.

Column: Cubs no longer have to worry about World Series hangover  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs don't feel the need to apologize to their fans for not winning the World Series again in 2017.  —  When it takes 108 years to win just one, Cubs' fans shouldn't be too greedy.