Shohei Ohtani hits solo homer in return to Japan, leading Dodgers' powerful offense to 6-3 win over the Cubs  —  TOKYO — Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome, Roki Sasaki threw three eventful innings in his big-league debut and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat …

Defense Dept. restores story on Jackie Robinson military service  —  The Department of Defense restored a story on its website highlighting Jackie Robinson's military service Wednesday after deleting it as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to purge references to diversity, equity and inclusion through a “digital content refresh.”

Yankees ‘surprised’ Alex Verdugo remains a free agent  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Several New York Yankees are curious as to why former teammate Alex Verdugo hasn't signed with a team yet.  —  “I am surprised,” right fielder Aaron Judge said.  “He's such a great player.  He brings so much value and versatility to a team.”

Braves sign nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to minor league deal  —  ATLANTA — Nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel is attempting to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves, his original team.  —  Kimbrel and catcher James McCann have agreed to minor league contracts, the team confirmed on Wednesday.

In Red Sox roster battles, Kristian Campbell and Aroldis Chapman pull ahead  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The Red Sox' Opening Day roster is coming into focus, and a large number of cuts Wednesday will bring Boston much closer to a final 26-man product.  —  As of Tuesday, the Red Sox still have 51 players in camp …

Rangers sign veteran lefty Patrick Corbin to plug gap in injury-thinned starting rotation  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers signed free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin to a one-year contract on Tuesday, plugging a durable veteran into their injury-addled starting rotation.

Dodgers acquire Sauer and option Wrobleski as Kershaw goes on 60-day IL  —  TOKYO — The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer and optioned left-hander Justin Wrobleski to the minors Wednesday.  —  To make room on the 40-man roster …

Pirates' Jared Jones to miss next spring training start with elbow issues  —  Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones is missing his next spring training start because of elbow discomfort.  Jones went 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA last season, combining with Paul Skenes to form an impressive rookie tandem …

Mookie Betts returns to U.S. to recuperate from illness, will miss 2 games in Japan  —  TOKYO — Shortstop Mookie Betts has returned to Los Angeles to continue recovering from an illness that will cause him to miss the Dodgers' first two games of the regular season at the Tokyo Dome.

Twins' Royce Lewis will miss start of season after hurting his hamstring  —  Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis will miss the start of the season due to a strained left hamstring.  An MRI revealed a moderate sprain after Lewis hurt himself running out a grounder in the Twins' Grapefruit …

Brewers settle their shortstop situation by moving Joey Ortiz over from third base  —  PHOENIX — Milwaukee infielder Joey Ortiz will move over from third base to shortstop as the Brewers alter their infield following Willy Adames' departure.  —  One of the Brewers' main concerns this spring …

Red Sox give Marcelo Mayer an extended look at second base  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Marcelo Mayer played three innings at second base on Tuesday and started there on Wednesday.  —  It marked the first time Mayer had played anywhere other than shortstop or third base in his professional career.