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A speedy defensive specialist like Billy Hamilton? A big bat off the bench?

The Atlanta Braves on Monday announced the promotion of general manager Alex Anthopoulos and a contract extension for manager Brian Snitker.

Joc Pederson was back in a familiar clubhouse. He had the same dressing stall and many of the same teammates.

Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer says he has gotten a positive response to his criticism of a plan being considered by Major League Baseball to expand the playoffs, one that includes an extended break for top seeds and some teams choosing who they will play.

Yu Darvish, who was shelled in Games 3 and 7 of the 2017 World Series while with the Dodgers, says that the Astros should be stripped of their title and that players on the team shouldn't be talking right now.

Dealing with boisterous fans on the road this season will give the Astros another tough challenge to overcome.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas was scratched from his second bullpen session of the spring because of a flexor tendon issue.

The Milwaukee Brewers signed left-hander Brent Suter to a two-year contract Sunday, avoiding an arbitration hearing that was scheduled for Monday.

Javier Baez says the Cubs weren't always ready to start games last season, so this year will be different.

Former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Tony Fernandez has died from complications from kidney disease. He was 57.

Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred defended his punishment of the Houston Astros for their sign stealing in 2017 and said MLB will institute new rules to police the use of technology before the 2020 season.

Houston's apology fell flat and tempers are flaring as MLB's sign stealing scandal threatens to do even more damage.

Players across the game weigh in on responsibility, whistle-blowing and punishing cheating in baseball.

Minor League Baseball said on Saturday that it supports MLB's decision to raise player salaries but believes it can be done without reducing the number of teams.

Shohei Ohtani said he thinks he's already a "pretty good" driver and was able to pass the test in his first attempt.

Although Red Sox starter Chris Sale played catch to stretch out his arm on Saturday, interim manager Ron Roenicke made it clear the team won't rush Sale's return from a case of the flu and pneumonia, even if that means he misses Opening Day.

Players across the game weigh in on responsibility, whistle-blowing and punishing cheating in baseball.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said Saturday that he considers the Astros using technology to steal signs worse than players using steroids of betting on baseball. Jansen also didn't have much use for their apologies, either.

The Long Beach Little League and the East Fullerton Little League have both banned the use of "Astros" from their teams this year after the major league team was found to have illegally stolen signs en route to winning the 2017 World Series.

In a move to add experience to their bullpen, the A's got right-hander Burch Smith from the Giants for cash. It is the first trade between the neighboring teams since Dec. 4, 1990.