White Sox still see bright future despite no Harper, Machado  —  Chicago White Sox made their pitch for  —  Bryce Harper and took a big swing at landing  —  Manny Machado.  —  Though they went 0 for 2 trying to sign the superstar sluggers, the White Sox enter the season still believing they are setting themselves up for success.

Harper gets first spring training hit for Phillies  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after an 0-for-9 start.  —  The slugger lined a 97-mph fastball to center on a 2-1 pitch from Detroit Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull …

Boston's Mookie Betts says he expects to become free agent  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Don't expect AL MVP Mookie Betts to agree to a long-term contract with the Boston Red Sox before he can become a free agent in late 2020.  —  Despite Mike Trout's pending $432 million …

Yankees' Gonzalez fueled by lack of interest  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Gio Gonzalez is eager to reward the New York Yankees.  —  The Yankees announced Wednesday they had signed the veteran left-hander to a minor league contract, hoping the two-time All-Star can help a hobbled rotation.

Reds' first African-American player dies at 94  —  CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds' first African-American player has died at the age of 94.  —  The team says Charles “Chuck” Harmon died Tuesday, nearly 65 years after he made his debut against the Braves in Milwaukee on April 17, 1954.

Phillies owner: Fans embraced Bryce Harper, ‘turned off’ by Manny Machado  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Manny Machado tries to navigate his way through the crowd to reach the San Diego Padres' spring-training clubhouse, but is mobbed by fans screaming his name.  —  Machado, surrounded by autograph seekers …

Bruce gets 1st hit of 2019 MLB season, Piscotty 1st home run  —  TOKYO (AP) — Jay Bruce of the Seattle Mariners has gotten the first hit of the 2019 Major League Baseball season and Oakland's Stephen Piscotty has connected for the first home run.  —  Bruce lined a single off the glove …

Still rebuilding, Tigers hoping for growth in 2019  —  DETROIT — Al Avila is known for his candor, and the Detroit general manager has remained pretty straightforward about what the future holds for the Tigers.  —  Yes, they're still rebuilding.  —  “The only reason I'm being honest is because: How do you hide this?”

Braves' pitching rotation murky as season nears  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — When they started spring training, the Atlanta Braves had one opening in their pitching rotation.  With a week to go before opening day, they may have three.  —  The Braves are holding out some hope that Kevin Gausman …

Live From Arizona: Cleveland Indians host Los Angeles Angels in Spring Training action  —  On Wednesday, the Cleveland Indians will host the Los Angeles Angels at Goodyear Ballpark.  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — With the 2019 regular season just eight days away, the Cleveland Indians will host …

Detroit Tigers' Michael Fulmer accepts fate, will have Tommy John surgery  —  The diagnosis has been confirmed, and so Michael Fulmer's 2019 season is officially over before it starts.  —  MLB.com reporter Jason Beck reports that the Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher said Wednesday …

After a slow start to 2018, Anthony Rizzo vows to stay patient and productive: 'I'm ready for every scenario'  —  Photos of Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  When Anthony Rizzo was mired in one of the most prolonged slumps of his otherwise successful career …

Blue Jays will be rolling the dice with defensively challenged Gurriel Jr. at second base  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Around the horn, the Blue Jays should be at least three-quarters strong defensively.  —  There is, however, a 6-foot-3 question mark at second.  —  Last week's surgery …

Rays sign Brandon Lowe to deal worth up to $49M over 8 years  —  Infielder/outfielder obviously made strong impression in 2018 climb to majors.  —  UPDATED, 1:50: Here is the breakdown of the terms of Lowe's deal with Rays, with $24M guaranteed:  —  2019 salary: 1,000,000  —  2020: 1,500,000

Alex Bregman, Astros agree to $100M, six-year contract  —  HOUSTON — Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros have agreed on a $100 million, six-year deal that keeps the All-Star third baseman under contract with the team through 2024, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.