Padres are scouting Pablo Sandoval  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — There's a San Diego Padres scout here taking a close look at Pablo Sandoval, post-back injury.  —  Does the story go beyond that?  —  It's anyone's guess.  —  The Padres were one of the teams that offered Sandoval a contract …

Phillies release Edward Mujica as bullpen takes shape  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Edward Mujica sat at his locker Tuesday morning.  He dipped into a small water bottle and did not bother changing into his Phillies uniform as he awaited his fate.  At 8:22 a.m., pitching coach Bob McClure summoned the veteran reliever.

Rangers Release Drew Stubbs  —  The Rangers have released outfielder Drew Stubbs, per an announcement from club executive VP of communications John Blake.  —  He had exercised his opt-out provision, Jeff Wilson of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports (Twitter links).

Phillies sign Will Venable, who could win outfield job  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Ever since Aaron Altherr succumbed to wrist surgery at the beginning of the month, the Phillies have poked around other team's outfielders, exploring possible trades, waiver claims or signings.

Mets scratch Matt Harvey for undisclosed medical issue  —  JUPITER, Fla. — New York Mets right-hander Matt Harvey is dealing with an undisclosed medical issue that may place his Opening Day start on Sunday in jeopardy.  —  General manager Sandy Alderson declined to specify the issue …

Jamey Wright To Retire  —  Veteran righty Jamey Wright, who was in camp with the Dodgers on a minor league deal, is set to retire, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick was among those to tweet.  The 41-year-old didn't appear professionally last season after he was released late in camp by the Rangers.

Blue Jays Claim Jesus Montero; Designate A.J. Jimenez For Assignment  —  The Blue Jays have claimed Jesus Montero off waivers from the Mariners, according to a Toronto press release.  To create roster space, catcher A.J. Jimenez has been designated for assignment.

Welcome to Pittsburgh, home of baseball's most dynamic pitching laboratory  —  Pitching coach Ray Searage leads an unorthodox crew that has revitalized plenty of pitchers in Pirates uniforms.  —  Justin K. Aller/Getty Images  —  BRADENTON, Fla. —  Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage sat …

Braves Release Nick Swisher  —  The Braves have unconditionally released first baseman/outfielder Nick Swisher, the club announced.  —  Atlanta had been trying to trade Swisher for much of the offseason but will instead have to eat much of the $15MM owed to the veteran for 2016.

Foltynewicz rocked for 4 homers in 3 innings vs. Astros  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The Braves are still evaluating whether to have Mike Foltynewicz open the season as their No. 5 starter, and his performance Monday night might've convinced them he could use a bit more time to prepare.

2016 Positional Power Rankings: Starting Rotations (#1-15)  —  August has already walked you through the rest.  Now let us together take a walk through the best!  The best, according to our preseason projections.  It sounds better to leave out that last part, though.  Always gotta remember to think about marketing.