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12:30 AM ET, March 18, 2019

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 Top News: 
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Gant's outing lacks efficiency  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • The days are dwindling to a precious few in the several battles for roster spots on the Cardinals' 25-man roster.  —  One contest, for the fifth starting slot, clearly seems to be between righthander John Gant, who pitched Sunday …
RELATED:
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
A near no-hitter leaves Cardinals' lineup searching for its upswing this spring  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Before unveiling the lineup for Sunday's game against Miami, manager Mike Shildt and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt talked about the spot in the order that was going to be “a big deal” in that day's conversation.
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:   Goldschmidt will hit second; Carpenter out with back tightness
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:   Goldschmidt will hit second for first time with Cardinals
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Jacoby Ellsbury touches down in Yankee town for spring  —  Jacoby Ellsbury was sighted in the Yankees clubhouse Sunday morning.  The outfielder who missed all of last season because of injuries arrived at the complex to begin his introduction to baseball activities after dealing …
RELATED:
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Despite seasonal expectation, Dellin Betances' pitching still lacking speed  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pitching in a game for the first time in a week after issues with his velocity, Dellin Betances got on the mound at Spectrum Field to face Bryce Harper right away.
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Despite a 1-2-3 inning, Yankees' Betances still seeking missing 4-5-6 mph on his fastball  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Dellin Betances struck out Bryce Harper with a 90 mph fastball, after which the Yankees' reliever declared: “I think we're both not ready.”  —  Delayed to spring training …
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Avila, Escobar homer in Diamondbacks' win over White Sox  —  Diamondbacks (ss) 7, White Sox 3  —  At the plate: C Alex Avila and 3B Eduardo Escobar each connected for their first home run of the spring.  Avila hit his on a line to the opposite field in the third inning.
RELATED:
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Decision coming soon on Zack Greinke's personal catcher  —  After throwing to Alex Avila on Sunday afternoon, Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke now has matched up with each of the four catchers in the running for a roster spot.  —  While he is expected to wield significant influence …
Matt Layman / Arizona Sports:
Diamondbacks still sorting out Opening Day battery
Discussion: AZ Snake Pit
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
With ongoing competitions, Cincinnati Reds outfielders standing out during spring training  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - It's the elephant in the room that Reds outfielders don't talk about or even try to think about.  —  There are six outfielders with Major League experience and there is only so much playing time to go around.
RELATED:
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Yasiel Puig homers twice in Cincinnati Reds' 9-9 tie against Cleveland Indians  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Yasiel Puig hit a pair of home runs, including a fourth-inning grand slam, to highlight the Reds' offense in a 9-9 tie against the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark on Sunday.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
These Cincinnati Reds remind one player of World Series champion Kansas City Royals  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Christian Colón delivered one of the biggest hits in Kansas City Royals history, driving in the game-winning run to clinch their organization's first World Series title in 30 years in 2015.
ESPN:
Yankees CF Hicks (back) to miss opening series  —  New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks told ESPN's Coley Harvey that he will miss Opening Day due to the lower back injury he has been dealing with.  —  Hicks said he will not play in the opening series against Baltimore Orioles …
Discussion: Sporting News and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:   Aaron Hicks misfortune creates massive Yankees ripple effect
New York Daily News:   Aaron Hicks to miss Opening Day series in latest Yankees blow
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Seager ‘absolutely’ set for opener, Roberts says  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Corey Seager, who spent most of the 2018 season recovering from major elbow surgery, will “absolutely” be ready by Opening Day, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday morning.
RELATED:
Bill Plunkett / Orange County Register:
After struggles of 2018, Dodgers' Austin Barnes feels more like himself at the plate
Discussion: DodgerBlue.com
Cindy Boren / Chicago Tribune:
Philly being Philly as fans hurl threats at pitcher who struck Bryce Harper  —  The Washington Post  —  An errant pitch left Phillies fans hurling dire threats and garden-variety invective at Trent Thornton after he struck the ankle of their prized free agent Bryce Harper mere days into his career in Philly.
RELATED:
Associated Press:   Bryce Harper, Phillies can breathe huge sigh of relief
ESPN:
Harper returns as DH following HBP on ankle
Discussion: MLB Baseball News …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
‘We want to carry the innings load’: Cubs starters vow to relieve brittle bullpen  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Relief may be on the way for the Cubs' fragile bullpen.  —  That aid could come from within the organization in the form of an invigorated starting rotation that often failed to pitch …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
5 takeaways from Cubs spring training, including Addison Russell's spring challenges and letting Javier Baez do his thing  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Here are five takeaways from Cubs spring training Sunday:  —  Russell's playing time in spring training will decrease soon …
Don Brennan / Toronto Sun:
Blue Jays acquire pitcher from Kansas City, Travis has knee surgery  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — There was plenty of news from Blue Jays camp Sunday morning.  —  First, the team announced the hard-luck story of Devon Travis is continuing, as the second baseman had surgery to repair a torn meniscus …
RELATED:
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays Acquire Jason Adam; Devon Travis, Mark Leiter Jr. Undergo Surgery
Discussion: Royals Review and Bluebird Banter
Bill Plunkett / Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:
Dodgers fall to Brewers despite early homers by Joc Pederson and Chris Taylor  —  THE GAME: The Milwaukee Brewers rallied for four runs in the eighth inning, coming from behind to hand the Dodgers a 9-8 defeat Sunday afternoon at Camelback Ranch.  —  NOTE: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left …
Discussion: Daily Breeze and Brew Crew Ball
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Another year, another opt-out clause for Andrus.  How concerned should Rangers fans be?  —  The 2019 Texas Rangers, for those who need to be reminded, are Elvis Andrus' team.  —  The shortstop is the longest tenured Rangers player, entering his 11th season at only age 30 …
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Here's how a serious injury to Mendez could affect the Rangers' Opening Day roster  —  It wasn't just Bloody Sunday at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.  —  The empty Texas Rangers injury report now has three players on it less than two weeks from the season opener, and they aren't players no one knows.
 
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 More News: 
Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:
Dodgers Announce Front Office Promotions
Discussion: MLB Baseball News …
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Teheran impresses again in third spring start
Tom Withers / Associated Press:
AP Source: Indians, former All-Star OF Carlos Gonzalez agree to minor deal
Evan Grant / Dallas-Fort Worth Sports News:
Joey Gallo has mild groin strain, status for season opener is uncertain
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Minter, O'Day likely to start season on DL
Jack Thompson / Associated Press:
‘I tried to do too much’: Eloy Jimenez admits pressing to make the opening-day roster
Discussion: Chicago Tribune
Ryan Hannable / WEEI:
Red Sox officially announce Opening Day starter
Discussion: Over the Monster
 Earlier Picks: 
ESPN:
Hinch suspended 1 spring game for ump issue
Discussion: MLB Baseball News …
Tom Kuebel / Arizona Sports:
D-backs and Cubs break attendance record at Salt River Fields
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Miller wasn't bad, but knows he must be better. Which ‘simple’ tweak will get him there?
ESPN:
What you need to know about MLB's new rules
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: From a 3-batter minimum to only 1 trade deadline: Will these rule changes improve baseball?
Discussion: Beyond the Box Score
Jim Armstrong / Star Tribune:
Ichiro hitless as Mariners beat Yomiuri 6-4 in exhibition
Discussion: Lookout Landing
 

 
From WeSmirch:

Eileen Reslen / Page Six:
Christine Quinn alleges ‘abusive’ husband Christian Richard threw dog poop at her, peed on her floor in violent outburst

Leyla Mohammed / BuzzFeed News:
Penn Badgley Got Honest About The Differences Between Being A Dad And A Stepdad As He Recalled Initially Struggling To Bond With His 15-Year-Old Stepson

Tom Bryant / The Mirror:
Paul O'Grady's beloved dog nuzzled star's shoulder as devoted husband battled to save him

 
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