TEst 4

Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, who was due to be a free agent after the 2019 season, has agreed to a $66 million extension through the 2021 season, sources told ESPN.

Jason Hammel, who was told that he made the Rangers' roster as a long reliever, has instead opted to retire after discussing it with his family.

Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett, who hit .310 with 23 homers and 92 RBIs while making his first All-Star team last season, will miss 8-12 weeks with a groin strain.

Rays starting third baseman Matt Duffy will start the season on the injured list with a hamstring injury.

Outfielder Cameron Maybin, who was arrested earlier this month on a DUI charge, was released by the San Francisco Giants on Friday.

Outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Francisco Liriano, who both signed minor league deals with the Pirates this offseason, have made the Opening Day roster.

Jed Hoyer let us sit in with him as his Cubs played in the Cactus League this week. Our question: What is a front-office executive looking for?

Left-hander Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox have signed a five-year contract extension. The $145 million deal also includes an opt-out after three years and a vesting sixth-year option worth at least $20 million, sources told ESPN.

Lee Mazzilli, who is serving as a guest hitting instructor at Yankees camp, was released from the hospital on Friday, two days after he was struck in the head by a ball during batting practice.

Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jason Kipnis will not be ready for Thursday's Opening Day game against the Twins, the team announced.

Alex Bregman's decision to sign a long-term contract with the Astros was not impacted by the second slow free-agent market.

Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is due to be a free agent after the 2019 season.

The Milwaukee Brewers' vaunted bullpen is set to begin the season missing a few of its most important pieces.

Reds All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett injured his groin while fielding a grounder Friday against Milwaukee and was helped off the field.

Of the top 30 players in baseball, five have signed extensions this week alone. But a few factors help make Chris Sale's deal unique.

There is no timetable for Athletics first baseman Matt Olson's return following hand surgery.

Reds All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett injured a leg while fielding a grounder against Milwaukee and was helped off the field.

Jack McKeon, serving as a special adviser to Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, will spend the season in Washington. He'll help minor league managers and coaches, and he'll evaluate prospects.

Seattle outfielder Eric Filia, the Mariners' No. 22 prospect, has been suspended 100 games following a third positive drug test. Kansas City pitcher Jon Perrin and Boston pitcher Chase Shugart were suspended 50 games for positive drug tests.

Four-time All-Star Matt Wieters has made the Cardinals' major league roster, earning the backup job behind catcher Yadier Molina.