Bryce Harper meets with San Diego Padres, sources say  —  The San Diego Padres met with free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper on Thursday in Las Vegas, sources familiar with the meeting told ESPN, officially adding a suitor to a list of teams that now numbers four and could expand as spring training approaches.

Angels' Ohtani progressing, won't be ready for opening day  —  AL Rookie of the Year Shohei Ohtani has been medically cleared to resume full strength training on his right arm following Tommy John surgery, although he will not be ready to hit for the Los Angeles Angels by opening day.

How media covered Jackie Robinson's Debut  —  Thursday marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier.  —  How some media covered Jackie Robinson's debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.

Astros hope Wade Miley is another diamond in the rough  —  Wade Miley personifies the prototypical pitcher the Astros covet when scouring the free agent market.  —  In 2016, the Astros uncovered a jewel in 32-year-old journeyman Charlie Morton, to whom they paid $14 million …

Denny McLain's 1969 Cy Young Award up for auction.  Here's how much it cost  —  We unearthed thousands of Free Press photo negatives and one sports writer's score book to tell the tale of baseball's greats.  “Bless you, boys.”  —  CONNECT  —  Owning a piece of history is expensive.

Batters up: Taylor-Nats, Correa-Astros as arbitration opens  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Houston shortstop Carlos Correa and Washington outfielder Michael A. Taylor became the first players of the year to go to salary arbitration hearings.  —  Correa asked for a raise from $1 million to $5 million …

Greg Holland to compete for Arizona Diamondbacks' closer's job  —  (Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)  —  Reliever Greg Holland signed as a free agent so late last year that he missed all of spring training.  He doesn't think it's a coincidence he struggled to start the season.

Clippers argue OT defensive foul call on Boban Marjonovic added insult to injury  —  LOS ANGELES — As Lance Stephenson danced near the baseline after converting a layup and drawing a foul on Boban Marjanovic to increase the Lakers' lead to four and maybe five with less than a minute left …

Why does Cincinnati Reds outfielder Yasiel Puig lick his bats?  Allow him to explain.  —  Standing in front of more than 40 boys and girls at the Reds' urban youth academy Wednesday, Yasiel Puig took questions from the kids about what sports he played growing up, whether he tried Skyline chili and what did he want to do in Cincinnati.

MLB Rumors: Craig Kimbrel Pursued by Braves, Phillies, Nationals, Red Sox, More  —  Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel remains a free agent, but he is gaining significant interest from around the league.  —  According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies …

Nolan Arenado Agrees To A Record $26-Million Contract For An Arbitration Player  —  Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.  —  As expected, Nolan Arenado and the Colorado Rockies avoided an arbitration hearing when the star third baseman agreed Thursday to a $26 million contract for the upcoming season.