Orioles observations on Andrew Politi's roster case, Jorge Mateo in center, Keegan Akin's versatility and more  —  SARASOTA, Fla. — Andrew Politi said he wasn't too nervous at the start of Orioles spring training six weeks ago.  —  “You have this long spring ahead, so the nerves aren't really there,” he said.

Mets DFA struggling outfielder Darin Ruf  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets have made a decision about struggling DH Darin Ruf, designating him for assignment.  —  The 36-year-old right-handed hitter won't be included on the club's Opening Day roster.  Instead, the Mets will select outfielder Tim Locastro …

Anthony Volpe realizes ‘super surreal’ dream after making Yankees' roster  —  TAMPA — Shortly after the Yankees' Sunday spring training game against the Blue Jays, the team's shot-callers asked Anthony Volpe to stick around.  He swears it's the only time he's felt his heart beat all spring.

Phillies' J.T. Realmuto baffled by ejection from spring game: ‘It was a soft way to get thrown out’  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — J.T. Realmuto couldn't believe his ears.Reliever Craig Kimbrel had just been called for a pitch-clock violation in the bottom of the fourth inning of a Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

Joey Votto to begin Cincinnati Reds season on injured list, ending his Opening Day streak  —  For the first time since 2008, a stretch of 14 consecutive seasons, Joey Votto won't be written into the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day lineup.  —  Votto announced Monday he will begin a Triple …

Sources: Hoerner, Cubs agree on 3-year, $35 million extension  —  Second baseman Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a three-year, $35 million contract extension, sources told ESPN, locking up the team's most productive player last season for an extra season before he was due to hit free agency.

Tyler O'Neill ranges over to claim center field.  Real race is just starting: Cardinals Extra  —  SARASOTA, Fla. — One of the reasons why Tyler O'Neill, a Gold Glove-winner twice over in left field, lobbied to audition at center field this spring was because he felt playing the position …

Outfielder Cristian Pache, out of minor-league options, will not make A's roster  —  Cristian Pache will not make the Oakland Athletics' season-opening roster, manager Mark Kotsay said on Monday night, making it possible the center fielder will not be in the organization much longer.

Mets' Kodai Senga gets relief from talk with Koji Uehara  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — When Kodai Senga's first stateside spring training was interrupted this month by tendinitis in his right index finger, a minor pain caused at least partially by the grip of his signature splitter …