Angels' Shohei Ohtani completes Tommy John rehab, eyes 2-way role in '20  —  Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani has completed his throwing program, the final step in his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery, and was cleared to return to his native Japan, where he will rest and recover …

APNewsBreak: Red Sox, Yanks, Cubs sent 2019 luxury tax bills  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Boston will pay a Red Sox record $13.4 million luxury tax after failing to make the playoffs and the New York Yankees finished with a $6.7 million bill, likely a fraction of what they will pay next year.

Donaldson sweepstakes update; Lindor talks reaching critical stage; Mets not too motivated on Marte  —  Some notes from around baseball, based upon information gathered from major-league sources:  —  • Don't count the Twins out of the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes just yet.

“I gave it everything I had” — Ian Kinsler retires, moving to a front-office role with the Padres  —  In the end, only a herniated cervical disk could drive Ian Kinsler from the game he played with rare intensity and singular dedication for 14 major-league seasons.

Twins Sign Tyler Clippard  —  11:20am: Clippard will be guaranteed $2.75MM, ESPN's Jeff Passan tweets.  —  11:13am: The Twins announced Friday that they've signed veteran reliever Tyler Clippard to a one-year contract.  Minnesota also made its previously reported one-year deal (plus a club option) with Sergio Romo official.

Mutual Interest Between Blue Jays, Edwin Encarnacion  —  Earlier this month, the Blue Jays were connected to the likes of Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, Justin Smoak and Edwin Encarnacion as they evaluated first base options.  Less than two weeks later, both Tsutsugo and Smoak are off the board …

Cubs Sign Ryan Tepera  —  The Cubs have struck a deal with reliever Ryan Tepera, as first reported by Jon Heyman of MLB Network (via Twitter).  It comes with a 40-man roster spot, though Tepera will play on a split arrangement.  He'll earn at a $900K rate in the majors and $300K in the minors.

Marlins Designate Kyle Keller For Assignment  —  The Marlins announced that they've designated right-hander Kyle Keller for assignment.  His spot on the 40-man roster goes to right-hander Yimi Garcia, whose previously reported one-year contract with Miami is now official.

White Sox To Sign Gio Gonzalez  —  The White Sox are in agreement with left-hander Gio Gonzalez, MLB Network's Jon Heyman tweets.  Reporter Robert Murray (Twitter link) was the first to break the news that Gonzalez and the Sox were nearing a contract.  Gonzalez is represented by CAA Sports.

Brewers To Sign Justin Smoak  —  9:38am: Smoak will earn $4MM in 2020 and has a $1MM buyout on a $5.5MM option for the 2021 season, Passan tweets.  —  9:27am: The two sides are in agreement on a one-year, $5MM contract, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports.  There's also a club option for the 2021 season, per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

A Nolan Arenado trade no longer seems like a preposterous idea  —  At the very least, the Rockies are going through the same exercise with Nolan Arenado that the Indians are conducting with Francisco Lindor.  Gauging interest, assessing trade value.  Weighing the offers they would get this offseason …

Marlins Sign Ryan Lavarnway, Josh A. Smith  —  The Marlins announced a series of nine minor league signings on Wednesday, each of which contains an invitation to Major League Spring Training.  In addition to confirming their previously reported signing of former All-Star Matt Kemp …