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Veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker, who was 4-3 with a combined 2.70 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings for Seattle and Toronto in 2020, has reached a deal with the Mets, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he expects reliever Kenley Jansen to close games this season. Jansen has 14 regular-season blown saves over the past three years, one short of the MLB lead.

On Domingo German's first day back with the Yankees following a domestic violence suspension, he had a conversation with manager Aaron Boone over his deleted Instagram post.

Braves pitcher Mike Soroka isn't considering a cautious approach to his comeback from a torn Achilles tendon. "Really, on the mound I am ready to compete," Soroka said.

Kyle Freeland commented on the Rockies' recent blockbuster trade of Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals, saying it's a "great opportunity" for underdog Colorado to "shock the world."

Cleveland ace Shane Bieber tested positive for COVID-19, delaying the AL Cy Young winner's arrival at training camp.

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto should be out about a month with a broken thumb.

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto should be out a month with a broken thumb, sources told ESPN.

Padres manager Jayce Tingler points to the work ethic and "drive to win" as big reasons why Fernando Tatis Jr. has landed what sources tell ESPN is a $340 million extension. "Obviously, couldn't be any more excited," Tingler said.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker said he had been vaccinated against COVID-19 as the team began spring training Thursday.

The Dodgers opened with a 2021 season-win total of 104.5 at Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill, tied with the 1999 Yankees for the highest win total at sportsbooks in the past 32 seasons.

Former Minnesota second baseman Brian Dozier has retired after nine years in the major leagues and 167 career home runs, the Twins announced Thursday.

Chris Sale is throwing every other day on flat ground and is "on track" for a return at some point during the 2021 season after having Tommy John surgery last March.

Baseball's minor leagues will shift to regionalized six-game series with a common off day in a move that cuts scheduled travel mileage by 28-56% and reduces expenses in their first season of operations under Major League Baseball.

The Dodgers and Yankees are typical favorites, but some new teams join them near the top of World Series odds. Here are win total projections and odds for all 30 teams.

The Indians are bringing back reliable and crafty reliever Oliver Pérez.

Free-agent closer Trevor Rosenthal, who had been seeking a four-year deal after getting 11 saves with a 1.90 ERA last season, instead has agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with the A's, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Designated hitter Mitch Moreland and the Oakland A's have agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million major league contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Former Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria reached a final lawsuit settlement to reimburse local government $5.5 million for the cost of building Marlins Park, which opened in 2012.

— The Blue Jays expect to split the home portion of this year's regular-schedule among their spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida, their Triple-A ballpark in Buffalo, New York, and the Rogers Center in Toronto.