Injuries may force Yanks to use ‘opener’ in '19  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The “opener,” the phenomenon that swept through major league pitching staffs last season, might finally take hold in the Bronx later this spring.  —  With injuries already ravaging the upper echelon of his starting rotation …

Porcello's two key outs in ALDS set tone for entire postseason, Cora says  —  FORT MYERS—The Red Sox had several pivotal moments throughout the 2018 postseason, especially from their pitchers.  Joe Kelly re-emerged as a bullpen weapon when it seemed Boston had next to no options entering the playoffs.

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.

Sources: MLB All-Star ‘Election Day’ planned  —  The first Tuesday in November isn't going to be the only annual Election Day in the United States.  —  As part of sweeping changes to the collective bargaining agreement, which is increasingly likely to be ratified by Major League Baseball …

Diamondbacks prospect Jazz Chisholm trying to refine his plate discipline  —  Diamondbacks prospect Jazz Chisholm is known for his smooth left-handed swing, a swing he's usually not shy about unleashing early in his at-bats.  But so far in spring training he has taken a different approach to his trips to the plate.

Cards catcher Pena to miss only one week; Molina guns down 3 runners in squad game  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • The forecast of Francisco Pena being out at least 10 to 15 days because of a strained left oblique has been shortened to only a week, according to a Cardinals official …

Morales proud to return the father figure favour to Vlad Guerrero Jr.  —  DUNEDIN — Kendrys Morales will never forget when he first met the Guerrero family and the profound and lasting effect the encounter would have on his baseball life.  —  The year was 2004 and Morales had just defected …

Roberts: Kershaw's Opening Day status still in air  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Clayton Kershaw has not yet been ruled out for Opening Day by the Los Angeles Dodgers despite all the time he has missed at spring training with a sore left shoulder.  —  Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that …

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 …

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.

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 …

Detroit Tigers: Tyson Ross' struggles could be concerning.  Here's why  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Tyson Ross sat in his locker, mixing a post-game recovery shake on the floor, when reporters approached with questions about his latest start.  —  “Just trying not to make a mess,” he said.

Column: No karaoke.  No animals.  No bounce house.  Is it the end of an era at Cubs spring training camp?  —  Photos of the Cubs at spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., before the 2019 season.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  If it seems like the Cubs have toned down their spring antics, it's probably because they have.