Harper walks twice in 1st spring ABs with Phillies  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper drew two five-pitch walks on Saturday in his first two spring training plate appearances since signing a record contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.  —  The six-time All-Star outfielder signed a $330 million …

Fowler has another ‘encouraging’ hit  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  • One player is hoping to get it back.  One player is hoping to be noticed.  —  Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler, getting a rare righthanded at-bat this spring, doubled at Jupiter, Fla., to open Friday's first game …

The Yankees should hand the ball to Masahiro Tanaka on Opening Day  —  TAMPA — Masahiro Tanaka made his case Friday night.  The Yankees right hander would seem to be the obvious choice to be the Opening Day starter, with the two other sensible choices now out of the picture.

José Peraza homers in Cincinnati Reds' 8-3 spring training loss to the Kansas City Royals  —  SURPRISE, Arizona - Home-plate umpire Mark Ripperger issued warnings to both dugouts after four players were hit by pitches in the Cincinnati Reds' 8-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Friday at Surprise Ballpark.

With plenty of infield options, Mets decide to part ways with TJ Rivera  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets infielder TJ Rivera reported to First Data Field on Saturday ready to make throws from third base for the first time.  —  He even believed he may be able to finally play in a game, as a designated hitter, for the first time soon.

He's been all over bases this spring.  Now, Pence ready for only place he hasn't been yet  —  Hunter Pence didn't play Friday for the Texas Rangers and wasn't in the lineup Saturday either, but it seems like he has played nearly every game this spring and played a lot when more than the average veteran.

Ranking the Braves' fifth-starter battle  —  As the Braves continue through spring training, the race for a fifth starter behind Mike Foltynewicz, Sean Newcomb, Kevin Gausman and Julio Teheran is under way.  Braves beat reporter Gabriel Burns will provide a daily handicap of the race for the final spot.

Braves confident in bullpen despite ailments  —  The Braves would welcome any good news regarding their arsenal of ailing relievers, but they'll settle for “should be good by opening day.”  —  A.J. Minter, Darren O'Day and Dan Winkler have dealt with some variety of soreness through camp.

Cubs' Cole Hamels to face Giants; Nico Hoerner starts at shortstop vs. Angels  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs will feature many twists Saturday when they face the Giants in Scottsdale and play host to the Angels at Sloan Park in split-squad games.  —  Left-hander Cole Hamels …

Nationals Release Sammy Solis  —  Per a team release, the Nationals have released LHP Sammy Solis unconditionally.  —  Solis, 30, had spent the entirety of his 9-year professional career with the organization, appearing in 141 games (all in relief) at the MLB level.

Royals Reach Agreement With Martin Maldonado On One-Year Deal  —  The Royals are in agreement with free agent catcher Martin Maldonado on a one-year, $2.5MM contract, per the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (via Twitter).  Maldonado can earn up to $1.4MM in incentives.  The deal is pending a physical.

Blue Jays' Guerrero looking like a teenager with slow spring start  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — It's easy to preach patience on a hot, lazy day under the Florida sun, when nobody is rushing to do anything.  —  That includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the top prospect in baseball who, numbers-wise …