MLB, players agree to expanded 2020 playoffs with 16 teams  —  CHICAGO — The Major League Baseball postseason will be expanded from 10 teams to 16 teams in 2020 once the owners officially ratify the deal before Thursday night's season-opener, according to three high-ranking officials with knowledge of the agreement.

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw (back) goes on IL; Dustin May to start vs. Giants  —  Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was put on the 10-day injured list because of stiffness in his back and will not make his scheduled start in Thursday's Opening Day game against the San Francisco Giants, the team announced.

Rays put opening day focus on social justice issues  —  A post from the team Twitter account at 8 a.m. addresses Breonna Taylor's death.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays used the occasion of Friday's season opener to put a focus on social justice issues.  —  A post from the team Twitter account …

What you need to know about the Rays' season opener  —  Who is pitching, where to watch and listen, what's ahead — and what's different — about this opening day and season.  —  Tonight: vs. Blue Jays  —  6:40, Tropicana Field  —  TV/radio: Fox Sports Sun; 95.3-FM, 96.1-FM (Spanish), 620-AM

Twins place Odorizzi on injured list with back soreness  —  By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's  —  Minnesota Twins set their opening day roster on Thursday, with right-hander  —  Jake Odorizzi on the 10-day injured list due to mild soreness in his upper back.

Phillies Designate Robert Stock For Assignment, Set Opening Day Roster  —  The Phillies set their Opening Day roster this morning, announcing within their press release that righty Robert Stock was designated for assignment.  The club has selected the contracts of veteran infielder Neil Walker …

Yankees-Nationals Opening Day game enters rain delay  —  By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's  —  Opening Day of the 2020 regular season was delayed four months.  It is only fitting that the first game would also see a rain delay.  Thursday night's Opening Day matchup between …

Phils' Andrew McCutchen unites with Yanks, Nats for pregame ceremony acknowledging injustice  —  WASHINGTON, D.C. — After he saw the video of a Minneapolis police officer killing George Floyd, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen felt compelled to do something.

Mookie Betts agrees to 12-year, $365 million extension with Dodgers  —  Star outfielder Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed on a 12-year, $365 million extension that keeps the former American League MVP from reaching free agency this winter, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.