Bryce Harper, Phillies need a few World Series rings to call this contract a success come 2031  —  The nice thing about being a player and an agent is that when you sign a 13-year contract worth $330 million you are absolutely, positively sure that it is a good deal.

Ozuna feeling ‘no pain’ as throwing improves  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  • Left fielder Marcell Ozuna, who was chicken-winging his throws — short throws — in camp, was throwing at a much longer distance and with extension during a drill Friday before the Cardinals came here Friday for a night exhibition game.

Rangers RHP Farrell struck on jaw by line drive  —  Texas Rangers pitcher Luke Farrell was taken to a hospital Saturday after being struck on his jaw by a line drive.  —  Farrell was hit by a shot from San Francisco Giants prospect Jalen Miller in the ninth inning in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Owner Ilitch says Tigers are building the right way  —  Detroit reliever Shane Greene, an East Ridge High alum, throws in the third inning during a spring training game against the New York Yankees this past week as the Tigers try to rebuild for the coming season.  (Lynne Sladky/AP)

Machado has quiet Padres debut in spring game  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Manny Machado's debut in a San Diego Padres uniform was a lot less eventful than his free agency.  —  The four-time All-Star spent the offseason being courted by every club with money to burn, and he wound up signing a $300 million …

Zack Greinke says he's learned it's best not to force adjustments  —  Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke has made a career out of adjusting.  Some years, his slider has been his best pitch.  Other years, it's the change-up.  Last year, he started using a pitch - his slow curve - far more than he had in the recent past.

Los Angeles Angels rough up Luis Castillo, Cody Reed as Cincinnati Reds fall 11-2  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Reds lost their third straight, and it was an ugly one — 11-2 to the Los Angeles Angels — before a crowd of 5,341 at Goodyear Ballpark.  —  Injury report

White Sox ace Carlos Rodon makes Cactus League debut against Rockies  —  Chicago Tribune  —  White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon, expected to get his first opening day start next month, makes his Cactus League debut Saturday afternoon against the Rockies at Camelback Ranch.

Initial guess at Rangers' Opening Day roster.  Calhoun's fate rates biggest question  —  The choices were pretty thin Saturday morning at Texas Rangers camp before the clubhouse opened an hour later than normal:  —  Sleep in or work out?  Sleeping in won.  In an upset, by the way.

Luis Cessa isn't stressing over cracking the Yankees roster  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The last two springs, Luis Cessa put too much pressure on himself.  The right hander was worried about making the Yankees' 25-man roster out of camp.  —  This year, however, Cessa isn't focused on that.

Welcome to MLB The Show: Ballplayers on making their video game debut  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — There are three milestones in a player's career when he knows he has made it to the majors: the phone call telling you you've been called up; that first hit or strikeout; and when you finally appear in the MLB The Show video game.

Rockies Recap: Pat Valaika and Tom Murphy homer, pitching falters in loss to White Sox  —  Starter Antonio Senzatela encountered turbulence early, as the White Sox loaded the bases with one out in the first  —  White Sox 10, Rockies 6  —  Saturday at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Ariz.

Dodgers prospect Alex Verdugo still waiting for his opportunity  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — There are a number of things you're looking for in a young prospect.  Longevity is not one of them.  —  Outfielder Alex Verdugo enters the 2019 season in Baseball America's list of the top 100 prospects …

With Edwin Diaz now serving as closer, Mets no longer considering unconventional tactics  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - In the months leading up to his managerial debut last year, Mickey Callaway stressed he would embrace unconventional bullpen ideas.  If a game could be won or lost in the seventh …

David Ortiz declares that Red Sox are already in ‘beast mode’  —  Big Papi: ‘Kids are acting like they finished season in last place last year — I love that’  —  FORT MYERS — David Ortiz is always on the lookout for somebody to tell his jokes to or to hear some good ones himself …

Jacob deGrom's change-up makes NY Mets starter's arsenal lethal  —  Jacob deGrom discusses his start against the Tigers  —  LAKELAND, Fla. - When facing an elite pitcher like Jacob deGrom, there's only so much a hitter can do to give himself a fighting chance.