Phillies' Jake Arrieta says no soreness after second spring training start  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Jake Arrieta felt fine after his second spring training start with the Philadelphia Phillies, and that was more important than the mediocre results.  —  Arrieta allowed 4 runs …

Cubs manager Joe Maddon enthused about defensive improvement for 2018  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs' hopes for a return to the World Series isn't limited solely to rebound seasons from players on an offense that barely changed its personnel from 2017.  —  They anticipate their defense …

Yankees run afoul of MLB over player images on beer at Yankee Stadium  —  Trouble might have been brewing for the Yankees over facial images of their players — including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton — imprinted in beer sold at Yankee Stadium.  The images were displayed at a media event on Monday at the ballpark.

Carpenter's arm passes tests at third, second  —  • Even after his warmup throws from third base Monday, Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter would look over to the dugout for some acknowledgement.  —  After a diving stop and a throw he couldn't make a year ago, he didn't need to.

A's prospect A.J. Puk hurts elbow; Tommy John recommended  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Oakland Athletics pitching prospect A.J. Puk has injured his pitching elbow, and Dr. James Andrews is recommending he have Tommy John surgery.  —  The left-handed Puk injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, the team said Tuesday.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway won over clubhouse during spring training  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.— A meticulous morning routine ensured that Mickey Callaway had time each day for what the Mets' rookie manager believes is probably the most important part of his job.

Dodgers designate OF Trayce Thompson for assignment  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) The Dodgers have cut outfielder Trayce Thompson, the brother of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson.  —  Thompson was competing for a spot in a crowded Los Angeles outfield that includes Chris Taylor, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles.

Enjoy the ride, because these Nationals may be as good as they're going to get … It's easy to miss the point.  But with the Washington Nationals, we shouldn't.  The team that opens its season Thursday may be the best since baseball returned to Washington.

Dodgers game bizarrely ends with ‘nasty’ sewage seeping onto Dodger Stadium diamond  —  The final game of the Freeway Series ended in bizarre, malodorous fashion as a water main burst inside 57-year-old Dodger Stadium and flooded the area near the Dodgers dugout.

Angels' Shohei Ohtani to make first start as pitcher Sunday versus Athletics  —  Despite a rocky spring on the mound, two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani will make his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday against the Athletics, manager Mike Scioscia said Tuesday night.

How the bobblehead became a beloved symbol of baseball season  —  There is probably no better indicator of how surprisingly good Justin Smoak was in 2017 than the fact he was selected to be a bobblehead this year  —  As he walked to work on a bright, subzero morning in Toronto last week …

Victor Caratini builds bond with Cardinals pitcher seriously injured by his line drive  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Daniel Poncedeleon knows it might sound silly, but the competitor within him often emerges when he thinks about the moment that threatened his life.  —  Ask him about that terrifying afternoon last spring.

Reds postpone Opening Day until Friday  —  The Cincinnati Reds announced Wednesday that they've postponed their Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals from Thursday to Friday because of anticipated inclement weather.  —  The game will take place Friday at 4:10 p.m., 24 hours after first pitch had been scheduled.

Breakout candidates and players who could disappoint in the 2018 MLB season  —  While countless players are looking to build on strong 2017 campaigns, there are clues that some players may be in for disappointment as Major League Baseball's 2018 season gets underway Thursday.

AL DNA: Breaking down the analytics of each American League team for the 2018 MLB season  —  With each passing season, sabermetrics are becoming more and more ingrained in baseball.  —  Data is becoming increasingly available by the year — more recently with the advent of MLB's Statcast …

How Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola developed one of baseball's best curveballs  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Aaron Nola will take the mound Thursday as the youngest Phillies starter on opening day in 54 years.  He has the potential to be one of baseball's elite young arms.

Pink Pony chat: What MLB scouts say about Padres, others  —  Spring training is over, finally.  And that means the Pink Pony Scouts Chat is here.  —  What did big league scouts see from the Padres the past six weeks?  —  You'll find their comments below, along with appraisals of San Diego's four rivals.

Opening Day survey: $400 million for Harper?  A Yankees letdown?  MLB execs size up 2018  —  Clayton Kershaw wrapped up spring training with a 0.00 ERA, while Madison Bumgarner left camp with three pins in the broken pinkie of his pitching hand.  Ronald Acuna begins the season in the minors …

Braves Announce Roster Decisions  —  The Braves have announced a series of roster moves that set up the team's Opening Day, 25-man unit.  Third baseman Rio Ruiz has been optioned while non-roster players including righty Anibal Sanchez, outfielders Ezequiel Carrera and Danny Santana …

Corey Feldman — Claims He Was Stabbed in the Stomach  —  EXCLUSIVE DETAILS  —  7:45 AM PT — Law enforcement now tells us, Corey told police he believed he was being followed.  At some point, Corey's bodyguard, who was a passenger in his car, shined a flashlight toward the other car.