Justin Verlander nearing two-year, $66 million extension with Astros  —  Justin Verlander is set for a two-year, $66 million extension with the Houston Astros that will keep him with the club through the 2021 season, an official familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports.

Yanks' Diehl thought trade to Rockies was prank  —  TAMPA, Fla. — At first, Phillip Diehl was in disbelief.  —  When New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone called the slim 24-year-old lefty into his office Saturday afternoon and said the words, “We're trading you,” Diehl thought …

Cards ace Mikolas allows two homers but hits one himself in 4-4 tie  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  • Miles Mikolas was tuning up for his first regular season-opening start as a Cardinal next week when he faced the Washington Nationals on Saturday.  The intent certainly was to refine …

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett out for 2-3 months with a strained groin  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Six days before Opening Day, the Reds learned they will be without one of their top hitters for at least the first two months of the season.  —  All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett …

Report: Devin Mesoraco may retire if New York Mets don't release him  —  Devin Mesoraco has asked the New York Mets to release him, and appears to be considering all options - including retirement - except for a trip to the minors, according to a report via Twitter from MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

6 White Sox players who may hold the key to a more successful 2019 season  —  The 2018 White Sox needed to avert a meltdown in September to avoid 100 losses.  They failed to do it, dropping 18 of their last 24 games.  But hope and optimism are abundant in the Sox's clubhouse this spring.

What a GM sees when he watches a baseball game  —  MESA, Ariz. — How does a front-office executive watch a spring training game as compared to the average fan?  How is it different than watching a regular-season contest or even a postseason one?  On Thursday, Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer gave us …

Jason Hammel retires a day after making Rangers' roster  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Rangers advised veteran reliever Jason Hammel on Friday that he had made the roster.  —  Plot twist: On Saturday, Hammel decided to retire.  —  Of course, there is a joke or three to be made about pitchers deciding …

Derek Jeter again tries to make the case for why his plan for the Marlins is working  —  JUPITER, Fla. - On one of the back fields at Roger Dean Stadium, the owner of the Miami Marlins was observing his stable of young pitchers going through the drudgery of spring training PFP drills when he was asked: “So how goes the plan?”

Rays' Duffy (hamstring) to start season on IL  —  Tampa Bay Rays starting third baseman Matt Duffy will start the season on the injured list with a hamstring injury, manager Kevin Cash announced Saturday.  —  Duffy was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers.

Twins trade Michael Reed to Giants for John Andreoli  —  The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for a pitcher.  —  TEXT SIZE  —  FORT MYERS, FLA. - The Twins have traded outfielder Michael Reed to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder John Andreoli and cash considerations.

Cubs focusing on getting production throughout lineup, not finding a leadoff man: ‘We have plenty of good hitters’  —  Cubs pitcher Jose Quintana discusses his outing against the Rangers on Friday, March 22, 2019.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune

Cubs will use most of their expected regular-season lineup vs. Rockies  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Nearly all of the Cubs' projected regular-season starters will be on the field Saturday night when they face the Rockies and left-hander Kyle Freeland.  —  Albert Almora Jr. will bat leadoff and play center field.