Jason Hammel gets minor league deal from Rangers with spring invite  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Free agent right-hander Jason Hammel has agreed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers and will report to major league spring training.  —  Texas announced the deal Friday …

Cubs add bullpen help, agree to $750,000 deal with Tony Barnette  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have added bullpen help, agreeing to a $750,000, one-year contract with right-hander Tony Barnette.  The deal contains an option, escalator and bonus opportunities that could raise its value to $4.5 million over two seasons.

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.

Cincinnati Reds nearing deal with lefty reliever Zach Duke  —  Mandatory Credit: Shane Roper-USA TODAY Sports (Photo: Shane Roper, Shane Roper-USA TODAY Sports)  —  After successful seasons from veteran relievers Jared Hughes and David Hernandez last year, the Reds are hoping they can find value from another experienced reliever.

Inside 37-year-old pitcher Luke Hagerty's improbable comeback story  —  THE HAGERTY HOUSEHOLD, located in a small Ohio town named Defiance, operates under a short but firm set of tenets.  The first involves work.  Hagertys work.  Hartsell Dodrill, Bretta Hagerty's father …

Detroit Tigers will wear smaller Old English ‘D’ on caps this season  —  Taking a look at what the Tigers' starting lineup and pitching rotation could look like to open the 2019 season.  Video by Anthony Fenech and Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press.  —  CONNECT

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.

Told of girl's assault at spring training hotel, Gabe Kapler, Dodgers didn't alert police  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — In February 2015, according to a police report and emails obtained through open records requests, a 17-year-old girl sent an alarming email to Gabe Kapler, then director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Wade Miley, Astros agree to $4.5 million, 1-year deal  —  Miley was 5-2 with a 2.57 ERA in 16 starts and 80 2/3 innings for the Milwaukee Brewers last year.  —  HOUSTON — The Astros filled an opening in their rotation, agreeing to a $4.5 million, one-year contract with 32-year-old left-hander Wade Miley.

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.