Detroit Tigers Al Avila: ‘I think it has been a very productive spring’  —  The beginning of the Major League Baseball season brings a new round of predictions.  The Detroit Free Press' Anthony Fenech and George Sipple give their prognostications for the 2018 season.  Wochit  —  CONNECT

Wainwright scratched from start against Washington  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  • Veteran Adam Wainwright has been scratched from his scheduled start for the Cardinals' last Grapefruit League game Sunday and will be replaced by 21-year-old Jordan Hicks, one of the Cardinals' top prospects.

Diamondbacks option Yasmany Tomas to Triple-A Reno  —  Yasmany Tomas was optioned to Triple-A Reno by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday morning, reducing the roster to 33 players.  —  The Cuban outfielder/third baseman signed a six-year, $68-million dollar contract with the Diamondbacks …

Phillies prospect Scott Kingery makes team, gets long-term deal  —  As many major league teams choose to send their top prospects to the minor leagues to start the regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies have taken the opposite approach with infielder Scott Kingery.

Kevan Smith likely headed to DL as White Sox roster appears set for opening day  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Boxes, bags and luggage cluttered the White Sox clubhouse Sunday at Camelback Ranch.  Moving day was here.  —  The 25-man roster appears set for opening day as Kevan Smith likely …

20 years of the Rays: Recounting the 20 most memorable injuries  —  With the Rays planning a year-long celebration of their 20th anniversary, the Times is taking a look back - with 20 lists of 20 things about those first 20 seasons.Being a Rays fan over the yea

Miguel Montero on Nationals: Excited to be on team ‘that has a chance to win it all’  —  The Washington Post  —  From the moment the Nationals signed catcher Miguel Montero in early February, he seemed likely to win a spot on their Opening Day roster.  No one would say that, of course.

Michael Conforto to start on DL after shoulder surgery  —  New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto was informed Sunday morning that he will start the season on the disabled list as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery.  —  Mets manager Mickey Callaway delivered the news to Conforto, according to the New York Daily News.

Indians OF Michael Brantley starting season on disabled list  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cleveland Indians will start the season missing Michael Brantley.  —  Still recovering from offseason surgery on his right ankle, Brantley is being placed on the disabled list as the team continues …

Phillies Designate Cameron Rupp  —  The Phillies have designated catcher Cameron Rupp for assignment, per a team announcement.  The club selected right-hander Drew Hutchison's contract in a corresponding move.  —  The 29-year-old Rupp has been a member of the Phillies since they chose …

Arizona Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series team: Where are they now?  —  Where are they now?  —  A look at some of the key figures from the Diamondbacks' 2001 winning World Series championship team and what they are doing now:  —  Infielder Jay Bell: Manager of the Trenton Thunder …

Hellickson, Napoli, Revere among the latest big league cuts  —  Washington pitcher Jeremy Hellickson, Cleveland slugger Mike Napoli and Cincinnati outfielder Ben Revere were among the latest cuts as big league teams reached a deadline to make roster decisions.

Yuli Gurriel's rehab from hand surgery ‘going better than expected’  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — No matter what, Yuli Gurriel will not be with the Houston Astros on Opening Day.  But the first baseman might not be on the disabled list, either.  —  After several days of soft-toss batting practice sessions …

Seth Lugo to use curve more often as Mets emphasize breaking balls  —  Mets righty Seth Lugo is pleased to be the fifth starter Matt Ehalt/NorthJersey.com  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Seth Lugo is known for his curveball.  —  The righty possesses a sharp breaking ball that induces whiffs …

Lewis Brinson goes from Coral Springs High to Marlins starter in center  —  Sun Sentinel  —  Growing up in Coral Springs, Lewis Brinson was an enthusiastic Marlins fan but never attended an Opening Day game.  —  His first will come Thursday in uniform, batting first and starting in center field …

Ian Happ's power in leadoff spot gives Cubs lineup ‘an intimidation factor’  —  Chicago Tribune  —  A break with tradition might give the Cubs a more fearsome presence before Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo bat in the first inning.  —  The power Ian Happ displayed last season and this spring …