MLB win totals: How we see the 2019 season unfolding  —  What I'm Hearing: Bob Nightengale was in attendance for Bryce Harper's introductory press conference for the Philadelphia Phillies.  He says it was made clear what the expectations are for this year and beyond.  —  CONNECT

Extensions are MLB's new normal.  Are Bryant, other Cubs next?  —  MESA, Ariz. — Has there been a change in strategy around baseball?  What used to be the goal of nearly every player — earning the right to choose which team he plays for — might now be less appealing.

Cardinals longtime No. 1 prospect Alex Reyes vows to reclaim status  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — It may have been a late inning of a meaningless spring training game, with most of the sellout crowd gone Tuesday from Spectrum Field, but for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Alex Reyes …

Francisco Lindor ‘progressing well,’ making opening-day roster is question Indians seek to answer  —  The Cleveland Indians do not yet know if Francisco Lindor will be ready for opening day later this month, but feel he is ‘progressing well.’  —  CLEVELAND — Cleveland Indians shortstop …

JESSICA MENDOZA NAMED BASEBALL OPERATIONS ADVISOR  —  The New York Mets announced today that Jessica Mendoza has been named a baseball operations advisor for the club.  —  In her new role, Mendoza will provide insight to Executive Vice President & General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen as well as the entire Baseball Operations Department.

Only 20, Cardinals prospect Dylan Carlson draws attention with outfield defense  —  LAKELAND, Fla.  • By showing off his range at multiple positions, rising prospect Dylan Carlson has started to expand how the Cardinals' major-league staff would like to see him utilized this coming season.

Mets may have to make alternative infield plans with Todd Frazier, Jed Lowrie injuries  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Third baseman Todd Frazier (oblique strain) started his running progression Tuesdays, but there is still no update on Jed Lowrie (left knee).  —  Frazier took several days off …

Nationals ace Scherzer shuns DH, decides to bat  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In his third spring training start, Washington ace Max Scherzer wanted to try something different: batting.  —  Nationals manager Dave Martinez could have used a designated hitter in Tuesday's 8-4 loss to Boston …

Those who insist that Joey Gallo must bunt more might be rejoicing this season.  Here's why  —  Oh, to be Drew Smyly, at least on Tuesday.  —  That has nothing to do with baseball but geography.  —  Smyly lives in Scottsdale.  The beat writers are housed in Surprise.

Newest Blue Jay Buchholz ready to embrace challenge of returning to AL East  —  DUNEDIN - He's 34 years old and some of his most electric stuff might be behind him, but Clay Buchholz isn't even remotely intimidated about returning to face the batting beasts of the American League East.

Dodgers ace Kershaw could miss opening day start  —  Clayton Kershaw might not be on the mound when the two-time NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers start the season.  —  The lefty ace is working his way back from shoulder soreness that caused him to shut down his spring training.

Yankees Scratch Luis Severino From Spring Outing With Shoulder Discomfort  —  The Yankees announced today that prized righty Luis Severino would miss his scheduled spring outing.  He had begun to warm up but experienced “discomfort” in his pitching shoulder, per the team.