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 …

Royals sign catcher Martin Maldonado to one-year deal: Source  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals agreed to a US$2.5-million, one-year deal with Martin Maldonado on Saturday, giving them a veteran catcher after losing Salvador Perez to a season-ending injury.

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.

BenFred: A press-box discussion stirs - what would you rather do than wear a Hicks heater?  —  Ben Frederickson is a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  You can follow him on Twitter (Ben_Fred), Instagram (benfredpd) and Facebook (BenFredPD).

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.

Cincinnati Reds prospect Taylor Trammell survives trade rumors, is focused on improving  —  GOODYEAR, Arizona - For baseball players, there isn't any easy way to prepare for seeing their name appear in trade rumors.  Usually, they contact their agents and try to find out as much information as possible.

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.

Alex Cora envisions more right field in J.D. Martinez's future this season  —  FORT MYERS—When the Red Sox acquired J.D. Martinez, there were questions about his defensive capabilities.  Combined with Fenway Park's unique dimensions, it didn't appear he'd factor into the outfield game plan much, if at all.

Astros' Jose Altuve scratched from lineup again with continued left side soreness  —  JUPITER, Fla. — For the second time in three days, Jose Altuve was scratched from the Astros' Grapefruit League lineup on Saturday with continued left side soreness.  —  “It's the same, tightness I'd say …

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.

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.