Padres hope Juan Soto cleared for World Baseball Classic  —  Juan Soto ran sprints in the outfield, took some big swings in batting practice and signed a few autographs at the San Diego Padres spring training complex Wednesday after the early workout to test a left calf that kept him in Arizona.

Giants re-sign Daniel Jones to long-term deal, tag Saquon Barkley at deadline  —  The Giants and Daniel Jones just beat the clock.  —  Jones and the Giants agreed to a long-term contract extension just prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. franchise tag deadline, a source said.

Former All-Star CF Lorenzo Cain will officially retire as a Royal this summer  —  On the day he returned to Oklahoma, the day after the Brewers released him last June, Lorenzo Cain convened his cabinet of advisors to discuss his future.  —  Cain was only a couple months past his 36th birthday when Milwaukee cut him.

World Baseball Classic kicks off with Netherlands, Panama victories  —  The Dutch open the 20-team tournament defeating Cuba 4-2, then Panama routs Taiwan 12-5 in a four-hour game  —  TAICHUNG, Taiwan — The 20-team World Baseball Classic got underway after a six-year absence …

Dolphins clear cap space with Bradley Chubb restructure  —  The Dolphins signed edge rusher Bradley Chubb to a five-year extension after acquiring him in a trade with the Broncos last year and they've turned back to that contract in order to create some cap space ahead of the new league year.

Trevor Zegras authors another dazzling goal in Ducks' loss to Kraken  —  Zegras slips behind Seattle's defense in the second period, pulls the puck between his legs and flips it over goaltender Philipp Grubauer's shoulder in a 5-2 loss  —  SEATTLE — Trevor Zegras scored a spectacular between …

Judge gets first look in LF, praises Volpe  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Aaron Judge had hoped for more action in his Grapefruit League left field debut, but with pitchers Gerrit Cole and Greg Weissert largely overpowering the Cardinals' lineup, the Yankees' new captain had more time than anticipated to ponder his thoughts.

Detroit Tigers 3B Tyler Nevin reports oblique soreness; Andy Ibáñez injures finger  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Detroit Tigers third baseman Tyler Nevin, in the thick of a fierce competition for a spot on the Opening Day roster, removed himself from batting practice Tuesday and reported soreness in his oblique.

Knicks' 9-game winning streak snapped by lowly Hornets, falling apart on offense in final eight minutes  —  The streak is over.  Unexpectedly.  —  Playing as if hungover from their double-OT thriller two nights earlier, the Knicks collapsed Tuesday night against the lowly Hornets …

As banged-up Grant Williams struggles to find a role, Celtics need a turnaround fast  —  What is happening to the Celtics late in games?  Boston just ran through one of its toughest gauntlets of the season and came out completely, well, scathed.  This team is still a contender but appears more vulnerable than ever.

Winderman's view: Heat bench with needed burst when needed most  —  MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night's 130-128 victory over the Atlanta Hawks:  — Erik Spoelstra went out of his way to keep Caleb Martin in reserve in this one.  — As if he knew what was needed.

Owner Woody Johnson and other key Jets meeting with Aaron Rodgers in California: sources  —  The Jets are putting on the full-court press for Aaron Rodgers.  —  Jets owner Woody Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett flew …

Luke Voit emblematic of ex-Yankees prospects' Bronx glow  —  MORE FROM:  —  PHOENIX — What if we had it wrong?  —  What if the group of position players who fizzled with the Yankees actually overachieved with the team rather than underachieved?  —  What if the business of baseball …

Jose Quintana ‘trying to be ready’ for start of season after suffering stress fracture in rib  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets came into spring training with eight starting pitchers knowing that all eight would likely be needed at some point throughout the season.  That depth is already being tested.