MLB tells Judge recruiting Machado against rules  —  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Major League Baseball has told New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge his comments attempting to recruit Baltimore shortstop Manny Machado violate the sport's tampering rules, and Judge says he has learned the lesson.

David Price looks good in spring training debut  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Making his first Grapefruit League start — and first start of any kind in a competitive environment since last July 22 — Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price gave up one hit and one walk in four innings Thursday …

Detroit Tigers' Mike Fiers shelled again; rotation spot in jeopardy?  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — It is far too late into the spring for it to be just spring anymore.  —  Right-hander Mike Fiers, the Tigers' most notable off-season signing, has struggled.

Matt Harvey pleased with changeup as Mickey Callaway lauds Mets hurler's ‘confidence’ after five-inning spring start  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Matt Harvey's fastballs touched the mid-90s in velocity Thursday at First Data Field, and it only took the righthander 11 pitches to mow down the Marlins …

Cards' Flaherty fans eight in 5 innings, allows one run against Orioles  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Do the Cardinals have five starters better than Jack Flaherty?  Do they have 13 pitchers better than Jack Flaherty?  Or even 12?  —  The answer very likely is “no,” but if Flaherty does …

Albert Almora Jr. to bat leadoff for Cubs vs. Diamondbacks  —  Chicago Tribune  —  With opening day two weeks away, expect Cubs manager Joe Maddon to take a closer look at potential lineups.  —  Albert Almora Jr. will bat leadoff Thursday against Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray in a 3:05 p.m. game at Sloan Park.

Former Cincinnati Reds No. 1 pick Phillip Ervin has a shot as the fifth outfielder  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Phillip Ervin has a decent shot at making the Reds as a fifth outfielder this spring.  —  That would be significant progress for Ervin.  But he doesn't want his progression as a player to end there.

White Sox's Avisail Garcia on being yanked from Cactus League game: ‘I always understand Ricky’  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Under manager Rick Renteria, the White Sox pride themselves on hustling and not quitting no matter the score or circumstances.  —  That's why when Renteria yanked Avisail Garcia …

John Skipper Details His ESPN Exit and a Cocaine Extortion Plot  —  The former network chief goes public in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about the real reason behind his abrupt departure from Disney after 27 years, a confession to Bob Iger and his hope to work in sports media again.

Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018 … CONNECT  —  Torey Lovullo wouldn't come out and say it, but the Diamondbacks manager seemed to suggest that right-hander Zack Greinke is no longer on target to start on Opening Day.  —  Lovullo said Greinke, who departed his start on Wednesday …

Mets GM Sandy Alderson believes Mets are “well covered” at first base  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — First base isn't among the Mets' concerns.  —  Even with Dominic Smith sidelined and Adrian Gonzalez off to a slow start, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson believes first base is “pretty well covered.”

Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp wants a second chance and is making his case to stay  —  Camp breaks in a little more than a week and Matt Kemp is still here, which at one time felt about as likely as the Dodgers reappearing on television or Stan Kasten developing a sense of humility.