MLB players' union OKs playoff expansion for 2020, sources say  —  The Major League Baseball Players Association has agreed to a plan to expand the playoffs to 16 teams for the 2020 season, sources have told ESPN's Marly Rivera.  —  A playoff expansion still needs the final approval of MLB owners, sources said.

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.

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

The MLB Announces Expanded Playoffs for 2020; Will it Help the Indians Reach October Baseball?  —  While Friday is opening day for the Cleveland Indians, they may have gotten some of the best news of the offseason on Thursday when Major League Baseball announced an expanded playoffs starting this season.

Cubs Sign Ryan LaMarre  —  The Cubs announced Friday that they've signed outfielder Ryan LaMarre to a minor league deal.  Chicago also confirmed its previously reported minor league deal with infielder Derek Dietrich and added 2020 draftee Burl Carraway to its 60-man player pool.

Yankees To Sign Fernando Abad  —  The Yankees have agreed to a deal with left-hander Fernando Abad, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports (via Twitter).  The veteran reliever was recently cut loose by the Nationals.  It's likely a minor league pact for Abad, who missed Summer Camp with the Nats …

Watching MLB in 2020 Is Going to Be Weird  —  Watching baseball, like everything else in 2020, has a new normal.  —  Did you hear?  Baseball is back.  —  It may not be what you dreamed of, but Thursday night's two games offered a window into what it will be like to be an MLB fan in 2020.

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 …

Reds Finalize Opening Day Roster  —  The Reds announced this morning that they've filled the final two spots on their 30-man roster by selecting the contracts of infielders Christian Colon and Matt Davidson.  In order to make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Justin Shafer …

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.