Diamondbacks still interested in James Shields, despite tight budget  —  Although the imminent signing of Cuban right-hander Yoan Lopez puts the Diamondbacks beyond their financial comfort zone and could push them to make cost-cutting moves, General Manager Dave Stewart said Tuesday …

Diamondbacks Agree To Sign Yoan Lopez  —  Cuban righthander Yoan Lopez has agreed to sign with the Diamondbacks for $8.25 million.  —  Lopez is 21, so he is subject to the international bonus pools.  The Lopez signing puts the Diamondbacks well beyond their allotted pool space …

Wandy Rodriguez To Sign With Braves After Failing Physical With Phillies  —  Veteran lefty Wandy Rodriguez has failed his physical with the Phillies and instead agreed to a minor league deal with the Braves.  Hector Gomez of Listin Diario first tweeted that a deal with Atlanta was close …

Justus Sheffield, two others face charges  —  Three former members of the Tullahoma High School baseball team are facing charges following an incident that occurred early Monday on Cumberland Avenue in Tullahoma, according to police.  —  Justus Sheffield, 18, the Gatorade National Baseball Player …

Red Sox create new behavioral health department  —  The annual announcement of Red Sox front office personnel changes typically features an array of title changes and newly hired evaluators who put in critical but unseen work, and this year's will be little different — except, perhaps, on one count.

CHANGES COMING TO MLBPA AGENT CERTIFICATION … It's soon going to be harder to be an agent certified by the Major League Baseball Player's Association.  The process is about to change, and though it's been due for an update for a while, the new rules are not without questions.  Will they change anything?

Ace Hamels still on Padres' radar; Wil Myers not involved in talks  —  Fresh off a trio of bold impact moves to rework their entire outfield and the middle of their lineup, the aggressive Padres are still said to be alive for another potential blockbuster, this one involving Philly's ace …

Pirates' voluntary minicamp opens up without Pedro Alvarez  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Pedro Alvarez was not at Pirate City on Monday morning for the start of four days of voluntary workout sessions.  —  That's not unusual, as players who are on the 40-man roster are not required to attend the minicamp and most veterans opt out.