Angels contact MLB regarding Bryce Harper's possible tampering with Mike Trout  —  The Angels have contacted Major League Baseball regarding Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper's public recruitment of Angels star Mike Trout, a possible violation of tampering rules.

AP sources: MLB near deal for rosters to expand to 26 in '20  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball and the players' union are near an agreement to expand active rosters by one to 26 starting in 2020 as part of a deal that would include a commitment to discuss larger economic issues after opening day this year.

YES Network announcers weigh in on Yankees' hopes for 2019 — including chances of catching the Red Sox  —  The Yankees announcers expect big things from the team in 2019.  —  No, the Bronx Bombers didn't sign a marquee free agent like Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, but the YES Network broadcasters believe …

The Pete Alonso versus Dominic Smith debate and more Mets thoughts  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Inside the Mets spring training bubble is a stellar rotation featuring their top pitchers effortlessly clocking in fastballs at 99 mph.  General manager Brodie Van Wagenen walks around Mets camp signing autographs like a superstar.

Why Yankees skipper isn't concerned over this Jessica Mendoza, Mets worry  —  Aaron Boone was one of Jessica Mendoza's biggest supporters when she was promoted to an analyst role on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.  Working together for a season, they became good friends too.

Injury sidelines Pena, probably ends competition for Cards' backup catcher job  —  CLEARWATER, Fla.  • In the seventh inning Tuesday on an otherwise forgettable strikeout, the Cardinals' duel for the backup catcher position probably ended before it truly began.

'Cody's gotta be our guy': Bellinger ready for star turn in L.A.  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cody Bellinger got pitched to differently and struggled initially.  The month of May was coming to an end, the batting average was down in the low .200s and anxiety began to set in.

Salvador Perez To Undergo Tommy John Surgery  —  A second opinion on the right elbow of Salvador Perez has confirmed the Royals' worst fears: Perez will undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow, the team told reporters (Twitter link via Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City Star).

San Francisco Giants outfielder Cameron Maybin arrested for DUI  —  Cameron Maybin, the hopeful San Francisco Giants outfielder, was arrested last week for a DUI in Arizona.  —  Maybin, 31, blew a .142 blood alcohol level, almost twice the legal limit, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Sources: Rangers agree to contract extension with closer Jose Leclerc  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers are making Jose Leclerc part of their long-term future.  —  According to two sources, the club has agreed on a contract extension with the emerging closer on a long-term deal.  The terms of the deal:

Terry Francona: Managing Michael Jordan was 'best learning experience I've ever had'  —  Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona said working with Michael Jordan was the 'best learning experience I've ever had.'  —  CLEVELAND — Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona has plied …

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.

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 …

MLB teams need catchers at spring training.  They just don't want to pay them.  —  TAMPA — Pitch after pitch sizzled in, popping like gunfire as they blasted into catcher Jorge Saez's glove.  —  On a muggy Sunday last month, the day before position players were due to report …

Padres see $3M ticket boost thanks to Machado  —  The San Diego Padres have generated nearly $3 million of additional ticket revenue in the two weeks since Manny Machado agreed to a 10-year, $300 million contract, according to the team's president of business operations, Erik Greupner.

Tracking machines, spin efficiency and the plan to get Sonny Gray back on track  —  Sonny Gray had a bad season in New York.  We all saw that ERA (near 5.0), and his season culminated in his general manager all but telling the world that the pitcher would not be back in pinstripes.

Cory Spangenberg, Tyler Saladino get chances to play all over field for Brewers in camp  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The plan of Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell this spring was to move utility players Cory Spangenberg and Tyler Saladino around on the field to gauge their versatility, both in the infield and outfield.