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.

Yankees desperately need Luis Severino, who is hopeful for quick return  —  SportsPulse: Now that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado have signed we can finally look ahead to actual baseball.  Here are the storylines that will define the MLB in 2019.  —  CONNECT

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.

Royals must collectively pick up the slack with Salvador Perez out for the season  —  In the immediate aftermath of the news that All-Star catcher, Gold Glove winner and team leader Salvador Perez will have to sit out this season following surgery, the general tone of the Royals was a mix of sadness for …

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.

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.

Blue Jays finalize minors deal with Bud Norris  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Right-hander Bud Norris and the Toronto Blue Jays have finalized a minor league contract, and he will report to major league spring training.  —  Norris, who turned 34 on Saturday, had 47 saves over the past two seasons …

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 …

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 …

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:

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 …