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.

Takeaways from Braves' road win over Tigers on Saturday  —  The Braves took on the Tigers in Lakeland on Saturday afternoon, their fourth meeting this spring.  —  Here are the takeaways from the Braves' 6-4 win:  —  1. Sean Newcomb was hit for three runs in 2-2/3 innings.

It was a good day for Rangers' right-hander Lance Lynn  —  Lance Lynn filled the zone and worked fast.  —  The Texas Rangers' right-hander struck out four, walked none and allowed one single in four innings against the Colorado Rockies Friday afternoon at Salt River Fields.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.