Lou Merloni: Mookie Betts, Dodgers close to long-term deal  —  It looks like Mookie Betts will remain in L.A. for a long time.  —  According to WEEI's Lou Merloni, Betts and the Dodgers are close to a massive contract extension.  The deal is said to be for 10-plus years and worth between $350-400 million.

Rays down to final roster decisions after adding reliever Ryan Thompson  —  With a 30-man roster due at noon Thursday, the final call seems to be whether to carry 16 or 17 pitchers.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Rays officials plan to keep talking over the lingering decisions in setting …

Black Lives Matter/MLB stencil will debut on the mound Thursday when Nationals host Yankees  —  A Black Lives Matter/MLB stencil will appear on the pitcher's mound during opening weekend games, the Washington Nationals announced Wednesday.  —  “The Nationals, in conjunction with Major League Baseball …

Yankees look well positioned for 60-game season, but low-budget Rays could play spoiler  —  In a baseball season of the great unknown, there is one thing we do know: Assuming it is run to completion, it will more than likely come down to the survival of the fittest.

Sneak peek: Fox to use virtual fans for MLB broadcasts  —  Fox will utilize virtual fans for its MLB game broadcasts beginning Saturday.  —  The use of augmented reality is designed to make viewers feel as if telecasts are as normal as possible, despite the ongoing pandemic that has left ballparks empty.

Uncertainty in right field clouds White Sox's rosy outlook  —  For a fanbase renowned for its pessimism, it's been pretty challenging not to poke holes into the first of many seasons where the White Sox brass and fanbase should witness the fruits of the rebuild.

Marcus Stroman “Week To Week” With Calf Injury  —  The Mets announced that they've placed right-handers Marcus Stroman and Robert Gsellman on the injured list.  Stroman, who was said to be experiencing tightness in his calf earlier today, has been now diagnosed with a tear of some extent in that ailing calf muscles.

Mike Trout: 'I'm Playing' in 2020 Season  —  The three-time American League MVP made it official that he would be participating in the 2020 season after previously expressing skepticism on his status.  —  After previously expressing skepticism over his status for the 2020 MLB season …

Twins GM Thad Levine says front-office hiring practices are ‘flawed’ in his organization and MLB  —  During a Minnesota Twins front-office diversity roundtable on Tuesday, general manager Thad Levine said front-office hiring practices in Major League Baseball and his own organization are …

PLAY BALL IN PITTSBURGH: Blue Jays land home away from home for 2020  —  The Blue Jays have firmed up plans for their summer retreat not far from the banks of the Allegheny River.  —  Late Tuesday, a source close to the negotiations said that the displaced Major League Baseball team …