MLB

Associated PressBryan Harper looking to join brother Bryce on Nats rosterBy CHUCK KINGJUPITER, Fla. (AP) It's easy to confuse Bryan Harper with his more famous brother Bryce, especially with both wearing Washington Nationals uniforms.They stand about 6-foot-4 and share similar facial features, right down to tightly cropped beards....

Associated PressLorenzen getting mixed results in quest for Reds' rotationBy GARY SCHATZGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Michael Lorenzen is getting inconsistent results as he tries to win the fifth spot in the Cincinnati Reds' rotation after being used exclusively out of the bullpen the last two seasons.The right-hander has made...

Rays preparing to use 4-man pitching rotationPORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Rays intend to use a four-man rotation while filling a fifth starter's role with a combination of multi-inning relievers this season.Manager Kevin Cash delivered the surprising news Wednesday, saying the club thinks it has enough...

AP Sports WriterAce in the making, Aaron Nola has the right stuffBy ROB MAADDICLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Aaron Nola has the all the right stuff to be a longtime ace for the Philadelphia Phillies.The 24-year-old righty has a sharp, biting curve, a deceptive fastball and pinpoint control. New manager...

Lincecum to wear 44 with Rangers in honor of late brotherSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) After wearing No. 55 for his entire major league career, Tim Lincecum will switch to 44 with the Texas Rangers in honor of his late older brother.Sean Lincecum's funeral was Saturday, which delayed Tim Lincecum...

Associated PressShortstop Paul DeJong, Cardinals agree to $26M, 6-year dealBy CHUCK KINGJUPITER, Fla. (AP) Less than a year after making his big league debut, Paul DeJong was rewarded with a long-term deal. And that was worth hugs all around.The shortstop and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed Monday to...

AP Sports WriterNew vibe surrounds Phillies in spring trainingBy ROB MAADDICLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Loud music blares inside the clubhouse and several players gather to watch an intense battle during another round of the team's pingpong tournament.There's a different vibe surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies this spring.New manager Gabe Kapler...

Associated PressNats send Seth Romero home for violation of team rulesBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) The Washington Nationals sent Seth Romero, last year's first-round draft choice, home from camp for an unspecified violation of team policy.''We don't discuss family politics or family issues, but he's part...

Associated PressAstros' Gonzalez ready to play any of 7 positionsBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Marwin Gonzalez memorizes his position one day at a time.The Houston Astros' versatile veteran needs to consult a schedule given to him by manager A.J. Hinch and taped to his locker to...

Associated PressLiriano goes 2 scoreless innings in Tigers debutBy MARK DIDTLERLAKELAND, Fla. (AP) Detroit left-hander Francisco Liriano threw two scoreless innings against the New York Yankees in his first start with a new team.Liriano allowed one hit, walked two and struck out three in the Tigers' 7-2 loss...

Orioles' Trey Mancini wants to prove rookie Season no flukeSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter doesn't believe that left fielder Trey Mancini is going to have a difficult time in his second full season in the major leagues.''People threw the kitchen sink at him last year,''...

Jon Jay agrees to $3 million, 1-year contract with RoyalsSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Outfielder Jon Jay agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, a deal that allows him to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses.Jay, who turns 33 on March 15, hit...