Shohei Ohtani hits solo homer in return to Japan, leading Dodgers' powerful offense to 6-3 win over the Cubs  —  TOKYO — Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome, Roki Sasaki threw three eventful innings in his big-league debut and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat …

Defense Dept. restores story on Jackie Robinson military service  —  The Department of Defense restored a story on its website highlighting Jackie Robinson's military service Wednesday after deleting it as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to purge references to diversity, equity and inclusion through a “digital content refresh.”

Braves sign nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to minor league deal  —  ATLANTA — Nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel is attempting to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves, his original team.  —  Kimbrel and catcher James McCann have agreed to minor league contracts, the team confirmed on Wednesday.

Yankees ‘surprised’ Alex Verdugo remains a free agent  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Several New York Yankees are curious as to why former teammate Alex Verdugo hasn't signed with a team yet.  —  “I am surprised,” right fielder Aaron Judge said.  “He's such a great player.  He brings so much value and versatility to a team.”

In Red Sox roster battles, Kristian Campbell and Aroldis Chapman pull ahead  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The Red Sox' Opening Day roster is coming into focus, and a large number of cuts Wednesday will bring Boston much closer to a final 26-man product.  —  As of Tuesday, the Red Sox still have 51 players in camp …

Pirates' Jared Jones to miss next spring training start with elbow issues  —  Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones is missing his next spring training start because of elbow discomfort.  Jones went 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA last season, combining with Paul Skenes to form an impressive rookie tandem …

Rangers sign veteran lefty Patrick Corbin to plug gap in injury-thinned starting rotation  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers signed free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin to a one-year contract on Tuesday, plugging a durable veteran into their injury-addled starting rotation.

Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs visiting with Patriots: Source  —  The New England Patriots could soon be landing some much-needed wide receiver help — and it's a big name.  —  Stefon Diggs, a 10-year veteran and former All-Pro with six 1,000-yard seasons, is in Foxboro, Mass., visiting with the team, according to a league source.

Dodgers acquire Sauer and option Wrobleski as Kershaw goes on 60-day IL  —  TOKYO — The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer and optioned left-hander Justin Wrobleski to the minors Wednesday.  —  To make room on the 40-man roster …

Red Sox give Marcelo Mayer an extended look at second base  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Marcelo Mayer played three innings at second base on Tuesday and started there on Wednesday.  —  It marked the first time Mayer had played anywhere other than shortstop or third base in his professional career.

Carlos Carrasco Has Opt-Out In Yankees Deal This Weekend  —  Veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco can trigger an opt-out in his minor league deal with the Yankees on Saturday if he hasn't been added to the 40-man roster by that point, reports Jack Curry of the YES Network.