SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Vogt is ready to do whatever he can to take pressure off Buster Posey as both players work to bounce back from surgeries that cut their 2018 seasons short.Vogt is returning to the Bay Area after agreeing to a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.The catcher shared the news in a text message Monday, when he arrived in the Arizona desert from his home in snowy Washington state — "14 inches," he noted saying Arizona felt great already — and headed to the club's spring training complex in Scottsdale, where pitchers and catchers report Wednesday.San Francisco also agreed to a minor league deal last week with catcher Rene Rivera."I definitely believe it presents a good opportunity. Obviously Buster, he's the guy. If he's not going to be 100 percent then hopefully we can pick up the slack and hold the fort down until he's ready to go 100 percent," Vogt said by phone from Phoenix. "For me, too, I have to get healthy first as well. I know Rene Rivera is... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pitcher Gerrit Cole has gone to arbitration with the Houston Astros, asking to be given $13.5 million rather than the team's offer of $11,425,000.Cole made $6.75 million last year, when he earned his second All-Star selection and went 15-5 with a 2.88 ERA. He earned $6.75 million.Arbitrators Gil Vernon, Steven Wolf and Walt De Treux heard the case Monday and are expected to decide later this week.Players and teams have split six decisions, including a victory for Astros shortstop Carlos Correa. The case of Cleveland pitcher Trevor Bauer is pending.Four more hearings are scheduled this week, for Michael Fulmer of Detroit, Aaron Nola of Philadelphia, Luis Severino of the New York Yankees and Alex Wood of Cincinnati.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Even Zack Britton gets confused about the proper spelling of his first name.Known throughout his baseball career as Zach, the 31-year-old New York Yankees reliever said last week that going forward his name should be spelled Zack."I was born with a 'ch', sorry, excuse me, the 'ck,'" Britton said Monday after his first pre-spring training workout at the New York Yankees' minor league complex.Britton was traded to the Yankees from Baltimore last summer, became a free agent and agreed to a $39 million, three-year contract with New York last month. The contract initially used Zach before it was changed."My wife is an attorney, and she's like legally we need to change it because legally that's not your name," Britton said. "The Orioles always put 'k' on any, like, legal documents and then they just went with an 'h' (on printed rosters). The Yankees just felt like it was better for everybody if I just kept it with a 'k,' and I was like, yeah, why not?"Britton said with a smile... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics added depth at catcher on Monday, agreeing to a minor league contract with Nick Hundley.If added to the 40-man roster, the 35-year-old would get a one-year contract paying a $1.25 million salary while in the major leagues.He was catching during Oakland's opening training workout."He's a well-respected veteran coming off a really good year," Oakland executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said. "We're lucky to make that kind of addition."Jonathan Lucroy left as a free agent for the Los Angeles Angels, and Chris Herrmann and Josh Phegley are the only catchers on Oakland's 40-man roster. The team also is high on Sean Murphy, a third-round pick in the 2016 amateur draft.Hundley liked what he saw of the A's, who won 97 games last season and earned a berth in the AL wild-card game, where they lost to the New York Yankees."Playing against them, I've always respected the way their players play the game and always from afar, there are... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics added depth at catcher on Monday, agreeing to a minor league contract with Nick Hundley.If added to the 40-man roster, the 35-year-old would get a one-year contract paying a $1.25 million salary while in the major leagues.He was catching during Oakland's opening training workout."He's a well-respected veteran coming off a really good year," Oakland executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said. "We're lucky to make that kind of addition."Jonathan Lucroy left as a free agent for the Los Angeles Angels, and Chris Herrmann and Josh Phegley are the only catchers on Oakland's 40-man roster. The team also is high on Sean Murphy, a third-round pick in the 2016 amateur draft.Hundley liked what he saw of the A's, who won 97 games last season and earned a berth in the AL wild-card game, where they lost to the New York Yankees."Playing against them, I've always respected the way their players play the game and always from afar, there are... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced their minor league contract with outfielder Melky Cabrera, who will report to major league spring training.If added to the 40-man roster, the 34-year-old would get a one-year contract that would pay a $1.15 million salary while in the major leagues. He would have the chance to earn an additional $850,000 in performance bonuses.Cabrera has a .286 average in 14 seasons with seven big league teams. He made the All-Star team in 2012 while playing for the San Francisco Giants and was named the All-Star Game's Most Valuable Player. He was suspended 50 games later in the 2012 season following a positive test for testosterone, and he agreed to remove himself from consideration for the NL batting title he otherwise would have won.Cabrera hit .280 with six home runs and 39 RBIs in 78 games last season for Cleveland. He will get a chance to compete with Lonnie Chisenhall and others for a spot in Pittsburgh's outfield while right fielder Gregory Polanco recovers from shoulder surgery.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed veteran outfielder Melky Cabrera to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league camp.The Pirates announced the deal on Monday. The 34-year-old Cabrera will make $1.15 million with an additional $850,000 available in performance bonuses if he makes the 40-man roster.Cabrera is a career .286 hitter in 14 seasons split among seven different teams. He made the All-Star team in 2012 while playing for the San Francisco Giants and was named the All-Star Game's Most Valuable Player. He was suspended 50 games later in the 2012 season for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy.Cabrera hit .280 with six home runs and 39 RBIs in 78 games last season for Cleveland. He will get a chance to compete with Lonnie Chisenhall and others for a spot in Pittsburgh's outfield while right fielder Gregory Polanco recovers from shoulder surgery.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Brad Brach and the Chicago Cubs have finalized a one-year contract that guarantees the reliever $3 million and could be worth $8 million over two seasons.Brach gets a $1.65 million salary this year and could earn $1.35 million in bonuses for days on the active major league roster: $350,000 for one, and $500,000 each for 120 and 150.Chicago has a $5 million team option for 2020 under the deal announced Monday. If the Cubs decline, Brach has a $1.35 million player option with a $100,000 buyout.The right-hander had 12 saves and a 3.59 ERA in 69 games for Baltimore and Atlanta last season. He posted a 1.52 ERA over 27 appearances following a trade to the Braves.Brach debuted with San Diego in 2011 and made an All-Star team with Baltimore in 2016. He has a career 3.08 ERA and 33 saves. The Cubs needed bullpen help with closer Brandon Morrow likely missing the start of the season while recovering from elbow surgery.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Like every other pitcher in the Oakland Athletics' deep bullpen, Liam Hendriks is expecting to pitch a lot this season.The tricky question for manager Bob Melvin going into spring training: Who gets to go first?The Athletics rotation is a major uncertainty heading into camp, with the first workout for pitchers and catchers set for Monday. Of course, that's nothing new for Melvin. Oakland's rotation was wrecked by injuries last season, prompting the A's to lean on their relief pitchers as "openers" to start games. With at least three spots in the rotation currently wide open, Oakland might again be forced to get creative with the early innings.Hendriks became the most dependable in that role last season, making nine of the 10 "opener" starts for Oakland in September and October, including in the AL wild-card game against the Yankees.The makeshift bullpen games helped the A's earn a surprising postseason appearance, and Hendriks is eager to return to the role. He's ready... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Like every other pitcher in the Oakland Athletics' deep bullpen, Liam Hendriks is expecting to pitch a lot this season.The tricky question for manager Bob Melvin going into spring training: Who gets to go first?The Athletics rotation is a major uncertainty heading into camp, with the first workout for pitchers and catchers set for Monday. Of course, that's nothing new for Melvin. Oakland's rotation was wrecked by injuries last season, prompting the A's to lean on their relief pitchers as "openers" to start games. With at least three spots in the rotation currently wide open, Oakland might again be forced to get creative with the early innings.Hendriks became the most dependable in that role last season, making nine of the 10 "opener" starts for Oakland in September and October, including in the AL wild-card game against the Yankees.The makeshift bullpen games helped the A's earn a surprising postseason appearance, and Hendriks is eager to return to the role. He's ready... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians signed free agent outfielder Matt Joyce and reliever Alex Wilson to minor league contracts.The deals include invites to spring training camp, where the defending AL Central champions must address two glaring issues — outfield depth and their bullpen. Joyce and Wilson agreed to their deals on Friday, pending medical exams which were completed Saturday.Joyce spent the past two seasons with the Oakland Athletics. The 34-year-old hit 25 home runs and drove in 68 runs in 2017, but was limited to 83 games last season because of lower back problems. Joyce was an All-Star in 2011 for Tampa Bay.If he makes the Indians' 40-man roster, Joyce will make $1.25 million next season while in the majors and he can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses.The 32-year-old Wilson pitched in 59 games for Detroit last season, posting a 3.36 ERA. He limited right-handed hitter to a .191 average. Wilson has spent the past four seasons with Tigers.Wilson will also get $1.25 million if he makes the roster and can get another $750,000 in bonuses.Cleveland is rebuilding its bullpen following the departures of closer Cody Allen and left-hander Andrew Miller.The Indians have 19 non-roster invitees coming training camp, which opens for pitcher and catchers on Feb. 12 in Goodyear, Arizona.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have signed journeyman infielder Adam Rosales to a minor league contract.The Twins announced Saturday that the 35-year-old Rosales has been invited to big league spring training.Rosales hit .211 in 13 games for Cleveland last year. He is a career .226 hitter with 48 home runs and 179 RBIs in 11 years with Cincinnati, Oakland, Texas, San Diego, Arizona and Cleveland.Rosales has split time at all four infield spots.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Infielder Brett Lawrie, who hasn't played in the majors or minors since 2016, says he's reached a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.Lawrie posted the announcement on Instagram on Saturday.The 29-year-old Lawrie hit .248 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs for the White Sox in an injury-interrupted 2016. He is a career .261 hitter with 71 homers in six seasons with Toronto, Oakland and the White Sox.Milwaukee drafted Lawrie in 2008 and traded him to Toronto after the 2010 season. He made his major league debut the next season and developed a reputation for being a fiery player.

PHOENIX (AP) — Right-hander Ricky Nolasco and lefty Marc Rzepczynski have agreed to minor league contracts with the Arizona Diamondbacks and will report to big league spring training.Nolasco, 36, has not pitched in the major leagues since 2017 with the Los Angeles Angels. He was released by Kansas City in spring training last year after allowing eight runs, five hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings in one start and one relief appearance.Nolasco is 114-116 with a 4.56 ERA in 312 starts and 18 relief appearances over 12 big league seasons.Rzepczynski, 33, had a 6.97 ERA in 23 games last year with Seattle and Cleveland, allowing 11 runs — eight earned — 16 hits and 10 walks over 10 1/3 innings in 23 relief appearances, He is a 10-year big league veteran, primarily as a reliever.Arizona announced the moves Friday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Outfielder Brandon Guyer and the Chicago White Sox have finalized their minor league contract.If added to the 40-man roster, he would get a one-year deal paying $1.6 million while in the major leagues and $150,000 while in the minors.Guyer, who debuted with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, has a .250 career batting average. He hit .266 for Tampa Bay and Cleveland in 2016 but has struggled the past two years, batting .206 in 103 games for the Indians last season.Chicago announced the deal Wednesday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians may start the season without their best player.All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will miss spring training camp — and maybe the start of the season — with a strained right calf. It's an injury that is concerning to the AL Central champions, who have had an interesting offseason.One of baseball's top all-around players, Lindor recently got hurt while working out in Orlando, Florida. He was checked Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic and team physician Mark Shickendantz confirmed a moderate sprain.The Indians, who have overhauled their roster this winter, anticipate him missing up to nine weeks, which would place his return sometime in early April. Cleveland opens the regular season on March 28 in Minnesota.The loss of Lindor for any period is a major blow to the three-time defending division champions. The 25-year-old is an offensive force, elite defensive player and will be counted on to provide more leadership this season following the departures... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians may start the season without their best player.All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will miss spring training camp — and maybe the start of the season — with a strained right calf. It's an injury that is concerning to the AL Central champions, who have had an interesting offseason.One of baseball's top all-around players, Lindor recently got hurt while working out in Orlando, Florida. He was checked Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic and team physician Mark Shickendantz confirmed a moderate sprain.The Indians, who have overhauled their roster this winter, anticipate him missing up to nine weeks, which would place his return sometime in early April. Cleveland opens the regular season on March 28 in Minnesota.The loss of Lindor for any period is a major blow to the three-time defending division champions. The 25-year-old is an offensive force, elite defensive player and will be counted on to provide more leadership this season following the departures... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor likely will miss the start of the season with a strained right calf.Lindor, one of baseball's best all-around players, sustained the injury recently while working out in Orlando, Florida. He was checked Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic and it confirmed a moderate sprain.The Indians anticipate him missing up to nine weeks, which would place his return sometime in early April. Cleveland opens the regular season on March 28 in Minnesota.The loss of Lindor for any period is a major blow to the three-time defending AL Central champions. The 25-year-old is an offensive force, elite defensive player and counted on to provide more leadership this season following the departures of outfielder Michael Brantley and catcher Yan Gomes.A three-time All-Star, Lindor batted .277 with 38 homers, 92 RBIs and was tied for the league lead with 129 runs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will likely miss the start of the season with a strained right calf.Lindor, one of baseball's best all-around players, sustained the injury recently while working out in Orlando, Florida. He was checked Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Mark Schickendantz, who confirmed a moderate sprain.The Indians anticipate him being out up to nine weeks, which would place his return sometime in early April. Cleveland opens the regular season on March 28 in Minnesota.The loss of Lindor for any period is a major blow to the three-time defending AL Central champions. The 25-year-old is an offensive force, elite defensive player and being counted on to provide more leadership this season following the departures of outfielder Michael Brantley and catcher Yan Gomes.A three-time All-Star, Lindor batted .277 with 38 homers, 92 RBIs and was tied for the league lead with 129 runs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A team-by-team look at the American League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Houston AstrosManager: AJ Hinch (fifth season).2018: 103-59, first place, lost to Boston in ALCS.Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.Park: Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: OF Michael Brantley, C Robinson Chirinos, LHP Wade Miley, INF Aledmys Diaz.He's Outta Here: INF-OF Marwin Gonzalez, LHP Dallas Keuchel, RHP Charlie Morton, DH Evan Gattis, LHP Tony Sipp, C Brian McCann, C Martin Maldonado.Going campin': The Astros won a franchise-record 103 games last season and reached the ALCS. But mounting injuries and inconsistent play led to their elimination by Boston in five games and kept them from repeating as champions after winning their first World Series title in 2017. Houston returns aces Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, who are both coming off great... [More]