Diamondbacks veteran was ‘blindsided’ getting cut before Arizona's World Series run  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. − The Arizona Diamondback stunned the baseball world with their greatest season in 22 years, reaching the World Series, but their longest-tenured player in franchise history couldn't bear to watch.

MRI for Blue Jays' Alek Manoah shows ‘no structural concern’  —  Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah, on his way back from a topsy-turvy season that saw him land back in the minor leagues, felt some soreness during a bullpen session on Friday at the team's training facility in Dunedin, Florida.

Ed Ott, World Series-winning catcher for Pirates, dies at 72  —  PITTSBURGH — Ed Ott, a former major league catcher and coach who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1979 World Series, died Sunday.  He was 72.  —  Ott died in the central Pennsylvania town of Danville, according to the Pirates.

Giants manager Bob Melvin implements new policy for national anthem  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There's a new sheriff in town in San Francisco, and his name is manager Bob Melvin, who is requiring every person in the Giants dugout to stand on the field for the national anthem.

Can James Paxton deliver again?  The Dodgers are counting on it  —  His check-engine light was illuminated, and his gas gauge was nearing empty, but James Paxton had little choice but to ignore those warning signs as July turned to August last summer.  —  The Boston Red Sox were 56-50 …

Sources: Giants, Matt Chapman agree on $54 million deal  —  Matt Chapman, regarded as one of the best defensive infielders in baseball, agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.  —  The deal includes opt-outs after the first and second year of the agreement.

Cubs' Ian Happ sidelined by hamstring strain, expected back before Opening Day  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cubs left fielder Ian Happ is sidelined with a mild strain of his left hamstring, manager Craig Counsell said Saturday.  —  “Optimistic for Opening Day,” Counsell said, “but you're not going to see him in games for a little bit here.”

No concerns about Kenta Maeda's low velocity in Detroit Tigers 4-2 win over Phillies  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — The Detroit Tigers beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2, on Friday at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.  —  The Tigers have a 4-3-1 record in Grapefruit League play.  —  What happened

Giants Sign Matt Chapman  —  MARCH 3: The Giants officially announced Chapman's signing and the terms, with the additional detail that the contract includes a mutual option covering the 2027 season.  —  Chapman will receive a $2MM signing bonus and a $16MM salary in 2024, plus a $2MM buyout on the $17MM player option for 2025.

Darren Waller was close to retiring after disappointing first Giants season  —  INDIANAPOLIS — Darren Waller will return for a second season with the Giants.  —  Why is this news?  Well, following the 2023 season, Waller expressed to individuals in the Giants organization that he was contemplating retirement, sources told the Post.

Red Sox signing former All-Star 1B to challenge Bobby Dalbec for roster spot … Boston has agreed to a minor league contract with veteran first baseman C.J. Cron, a source said Friday morning.  Financial details remain unknown.  Cron is expected to join the team in Fort Myers in the coming days.