Giancarlo Stanton Questionable For Opening Day Following Calf Injury  —  In yet another bit of unwelcome injury news for the Yankees, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Wednesday that Giancarlo Stanton sustained a calf injury while working in the outfield yesterday (Twitter link via Joel Sherman of the New York Post).

Frustrated Fans Ask the Mets: Can We Venmo You?  —  In response to the thrifty team's decision not to pursue costly players and coaches this off-season, fans bombarded the Mets' general manager with small cash payments on the app.  —  There was only one logical response in Frankie Wilton's mind.

These six Texas Rangers have been the most impressive at spring training  —  The first spring workout for Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers was Feb. 12, and the initial full-squad work out followed five days later.  —  The first game was a week ago, and the Rangers played their sixth Cactus League game Thursday.

Indians' Emmanuel Clase Out 8-12 Weeks With Teres Major Strain  —  The Indians received another injury blow Thursday, as an MRI revealed a moderate strain of the teres major muscle in hard-throwing young reliever Emmanuel Clase's back (Twitter link via Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon-Journal).

Trevor Bauer plans to prioritize a unique idea when he reaches free agency  —  GOODYEAR, Arizona - When Trevor Bauer becomes a free agent at the end of the upcoming season, he has a unique idea that he wants teams to consider:  —  He wants to pitch every fourth day instead of the typical every fifth day.

Ozuna says he would have welcomed one-year deal from Cardinals; it just wasn't offered a second time  —  NORTH PORT, Fla. — If he knew then what he knows now, Atlanta Braves cleanup hitter Marcell Ozuna would have answered one of the Cardinals' biggest questions of spring way, way, way back in mid-November.

New Pickoff Rule Coming To Minors After Indy Ball Success In 2019  —  Major League Baseball is in the final stages of finalizing a plan that will change pickoff rules for a significant portion of the minor leagues.  —  Two farm directors confirmed that they have been told that when the 2020 season begins …

Nolan Arenado frustrated with offseason turbulence with Rockies management: ‘All I want to do is win’  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nolan Arenado, wiping the sweat off his face after a rigorous workout, plops down in front of his locker, and for the next 40 minutes, talking in a soft, calm tone …

Jeter says 'don't underestimate' veteran signings as Marlins' rebuild hits key point  —  For the past two years, the Miami Marlins' focus has been building from the ground up.  Feed the minor-league system with high-end prospects, and, eventually, the results will end up at the major-league level.

Dodgers Shut Down Jimmy Nelson's Throwing Program  —  Dodgers right-hander Jimmy Nelson has been shut down for the time being after experiencing a setback following yesterday's bullpen session, tweets Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.  Nelson has been dealing with back and groin pain early …

MLB Appoints Kerwin Danley as First Black Umpire Crew Chief  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has appointed its first African American umpire crew chief, promoting Kerwin Danley to the position this week, The Associated Press has learned.  —  A person familiar with the move spoke …

MLB cracking down on pitchers using foreign substances  —  TAMPA — MLB is trying to avoid a sticky mess in the future.  —  Chris Young, recently elevated by MLB to a senior VP to oversee on-field operations and umpire development, has been touring camps in Arizona and Florida to deliver …