With opt-out looming, Red Sox outfielder David Murphy says he's unlikely to accept assignment to minors and would consider retirement  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Murphy's opt-out looms on Sunday, and not only is the veteran outfielder disinclined to accept an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket …

Brewers' Liriano hospitalized after being hit by pitch  —  PHOENIX (AP) Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Rymer Liriano suffered multiple facial fractures Sunday when he was hit in the face by a pitch.  —  Liriano was carried off the field on a backboard.  The team said he was expected …

White Sox have no plans to trade Chris Sale  —  MESA, Ariz. — Rick Hahn's voicemail box has a few new inquires about Chris Sale's availability.  —  Rival general managers shouldn't hold their collective breath waiting for a return call.  —  Even though the perception exists they may entertain …

Browns moving forward on Robert Griffin III, don't anticipate more trade talks for Colin Kaepernick  —  Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III smiles as he greets fans after a win over the Colts in 2012.  (AP)  —  Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com By Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com

Reds' Homer Bailey impresses in live batting practice  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Monday afternoon Homer Bailey took yet another step toward returning to the Reds, throwing live batting practice for the first time.  —  Bailey threw five pitches each to four different batters — Billy Hamilton …

SPORTS BLUE JAYS  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — He sits two lockers from the wall.  —  On the concrete behind him is a massive, wallpaper-like mural of the post, post-game celebration from Camden Yards in Baltimore on Sept. 30, 2015.  —  Players are wearing eye goggles around their necks and heads …

Farm System Rankings: Overall  —  Dodgers, Braves close at top of list for best Minor League talent … 30. Los Angeles Angels  —  The best thing to say about the Angels system, at this point, is that these rankings stories are over.  The Halos ranked 29th for position players …

Indians continue to inquire about adding depth to their outfield  —  The Indians are not comfortable with the state of their outfield, even with left fielder Michael Brantley ahead of schedule in his return from right shoulder surgery.  —  The team, in search of an upgrade …

DeWitt era with Cardinals is 20 years old — and going strong  —  St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and Bill DeWitt Jr. talk during a workout at the Cardinals spring training complex at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014.  Photo By David Carson dcarson@post-dispatch.com

David Ortiz wants bat flip haters to shut up  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Ortiz can't understand why people are flipping out about bat flips.  —  Entering his 20th season in the big leagues, Ortiz insisted that those who cite “old school” values in expressing opposition to the gesture are misguided.

Chone Figgins Retires  —  Chone Figgins has officially announced his retirement, as per an Angels press release.  He will sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the Halos tomorrow in order to leave baseball in the same uniform in which he spent eight of his 12 MLB seasons.