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TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees' lineup gives them plenty to dream on, and the nightmare is only beginning for opposing pitchers. With their most lethal bats stacked for the first time, Gary Sanchez delivered the biggest blow, dropping jaws in the home dugout at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Sanchez upstaged the first appearances of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the same order, mashing a first-inning Daniel Norris offering over the 40-foot-tall scoreboard in left field to produce the first runs of New York's 9-6 Grapefruit League loss to the Tigers on Wednesday.

"It just feels good when you hit the ball square like that," Sanchez said through an interpreter. "To add to that, you're putting your team ahead. That means a lot."

Challenged by something that could resemble an Opening Day lineup, Norris navigated the first batters carefully. Brett Gardner flied out, Judge whiffed at an 84-mph changeup in his first at-bat of the spring, and Stanton picked up his first Yankees hit with a soft flare to right field.

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

In stepped Sanchez, who crushed Norris' first pitch over the "O" in the "George M. Steinbrenner Field" sign for a mammoth two-run homer. To at least one observer, the shot brought back memories of Sanchez's first-round performance in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby last year, which knocked out Stanton.

"It looked like he was back in the Derby, kicking my butt," Stanton said.

Video: DET@NYY: Sanchez on his homer, friendly competition

Norris didn't bother to take a look, believing that the decibel level of ball meeting bat confirmed "it was going pretty far."

"That was loud," added Judge. "I heard it inside, in the clubhouse. I was going in to take some more swings and saw it on the TV. He's explosive. I feel like that's what Gary does. He can just wake up out of bed with no swings and get into a game and do that. It's pretty impressive."

It has been suggested that Sanchez is being overlooked while hitting in a batting-practice group that includes Judge, Stanton, Greg Bird and -- most recently -- NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.

While that may be true from a media standpoint, manager Aaron Boone said that it is impossible for opposing clubs to ignore the slugging backstop, who has collected 53 homers and 132 RBIs in just 674 big league at-bats.

"I think anyone that comes up against us understands who he is when he gets in that box, and the respect is very much there," Boone said. "I hope he'll benefit from guys being on base. I think with our lineup and with Giancarlo and Judgie, he's going to walk up there with guys on base a lot, and that's where he'll see the benefit."

If that is so, Sanchez said that he won't mind if the headlines are doled out to Judge and Stanton.

"Not at all," Sanchez said. "I've said it many times before. My job is to go out there, give the best I have and help the pitchers on this team, work with my pitching staff. I don't mind it at all."

Serving as the designated hitter, Judge went 0-for-2 in his spring debut, which was delayed as he recovers from left shoulder surgery performed in November. He grounded out sharply in the third inning, with third baseman Jeimer Candelario making a nice backhanded stop. Boone said that Judge is scheduled to play right field on Friday against the Braves.

Video: DET@NYY: Judge happy to get into a game

"I feel great. I feel like I was swinging at the right pitches," Judge said. "I got into one good count in the last at-bat and just missed one. Good first step. I don't feel anything [in the shoulder]. It feels great. That's the kind of progress we wanted. We've just got to build on that and take it into our next game."

Stanton missed a homer by a few feet, denting the wall in right-center field with a fourth-inning double off Chad Bell. Wednesday served to whet Stanton's appetite for what is yet be to come.

Video: DET@NYY: Stanton collects his first two spring hits

"I've already thought about the possibilities; you just put it together," Stanton said. "We won't be fully in sync until we all feel good up there. It was Judge's first day; me and Sanchez got a couple days here and there. Later in spring when we're all in sync and feel good, it'll be really dynamic."

Perhaps the best option remaining on the free-agent pitching market is Jake Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner.

Nationals maintaining dialogue with Arrieta
As they've already begun to roll out their rotation in Spring Training, the Nationals may be in the market to add another arm, and the club is reportedly still engaged with Arrieta, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, who noted the right-hander remains Washington's top prize.

However, Nightengale notes that the club's dialogue is part of an overall monitoring of the market, which indicates they may be looking at other options. Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb, who have been believed to among the second tier of free-agent starters available, behind Arrieta and Yu Darvish (who has since signed with the Cubs), are also still available. The Nationals were linked to Lynn in January, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.

For a club desperately seeking to advance beyond the postseason's first round, Arrieta would bring a playoff pedigree and fortify the middle of an already elite rotation. And beyond 2018, after which Gio Gonzalez will become a free agent, a multiyear deal for Arrieta would give Washington some rotational stability.

Many executives and media have speculated Washington to be a strong fit for the veteran. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 28

Nationals among top suitors for Arrieta
The Nationals, Brewers, Yankees, Phillies, Rangers and Orioles are "among the teams continuing to monitor the top available starting pitchers," according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. Arrieta fits the bill.

Per Morosi, rival executives think Washington could jump on the right-hander if his price falls to within their range. Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy and Gio Gonzalez are all entering contract years, and the Nats are pushing to win their first playoff series since the franchise moved to D.C. The timing makes sense for the club to add a high-profile arm such as Arrieta this year.

Morosi also notes the relationship between general manager Mike Rizzo and Arrieta's agent, Scott Boras, as a potential factor that could impact the veteran hurler's landing spot. Six of the Nationals' eight highest-paid players for 2018, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts, are Boras clients.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman listed the Nationals atop Arrieta's possible landing spots when he wrote about the 2015 Cy Young Award winner earlier in the week. Heyman concedes the Nats would have to exceed the luxury tax threshold to sign Arrieta, but the team might be willing to do so with the hope of bringing a championship to Washington.

Heyman slots in the Brewers, Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, Orioles and Twins -- in that order -- as the next most likely clubs to sign Arrieta. Heyman adds the Cubs were in on him prior to signing Yu Darvish to a 5-year, $126 million deal and the Rangers are going "cost-efficient" this offseason, so there is a small chance "he goes to someone other than that top seven."

The 31-year-old Arrieta could be looking at a similar deal to the one Darvish signed with Chicago. He went 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in 128 starts for the Cubs over the past five seasons. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 25.

Phils, Arrieta far apart on contract length
Phillies owner John Middleton addressed Jake Arrieta and the starting-pitching market on Thursday, saying, "It's hard to characterize it at this point" whether the team will be able to add a starting pitcher before Opening Day.

:: Free agent buzz ::

Arrieta would of course be a huge get for the Phillies, but they might be too far apart in terms of contract length. Sources have told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki that the Phillies would be open to a three-year deal for Arrieta, but they are currently unwilling to go to the six or seven years that the right-hander wants.

As far as Philadelphia's negotiations with Arrieta, Middleton said Thursday he hasn't heard from Arrieta's agent, Scott Boras, noting that general manager Matt Klentak will be the one who negotiates any potential deal. The team and Boras have had discussions throughout the offseason, but little has changed at this point.

"It's not so remote that you'd say no, there's really no chance," Middleton said. "But I would tell you we're not just looking at free agents. We're talking to teams about trades, because there are players that we would trade for."

Even though the Phillies think they'll be much improved this season, they don't like the idea of committing $100-plus million to a 32-year-old pitcher regardless of Arrieta's talent, according to Zolecki.

"We want to improve the team, we're always trying to improve the team," Middleton said, "but we've got to do it a way that makes sense now and next year. We don't want to sacrifice something significant in the future by making a short-term move." -- This report was first posted on Feb. 22.

Phillies talking with Arrieta
The Phillies, who already made one splash signing this offseason in bringing in first baseman Carlos Santana, might be trying to add another.

Philadelphia and Jake Arrieta "are having dialogue" about a potential deal, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Heyman notes that Phillies president Andy MacPhail, general manager Matt Klentak and director of player development Joe Jordan "love [Arrieta] from their days in Baltimore together."

Arrieta, 31, went 20-25 with a 5.46 ERA in 69 games (63 starts) for the Orioles to begin his career, but since a trade to the Cubs in 2013, he is 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in 128 starts. He was named the National League Cy Young Award winner in 2015, when he went 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA in a career-high 33 starts and 229 innings.

The veteran right-hander has been known to be seeking a long-term contract, but according to Heyman, the Phillies "would prefer a shorter term" deal. "So there's a gap," Heyman added.

Arrieta could be seeking an offer close to the six-year, $126 million deal Yu Darvish recently signed with the Cubs. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 20.

Heyman sees Arrieta's best fit to be Brewers
The Brewers have already taken aggressive measures to bolster a roster that last year finished just one game shy of the postseason, yet their most glaring personnel deficiency -- a need for at least one top-of-the-rotation arm -- remains unaddressed. For this, and with the division-rival Cubs' signing Yu Darvish, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman predicts in a post for FanRag Sports that Arrieta's most suitable landing spot is Milwaukee.

The Brewers have already added free agent Jhoulys Chacin to complement the Opening Day rotation with Chase Anderson and Zach Davies. Jimmy Nelson, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2017 before undergoing shoulder surgery, is not expected until some time later in the first half as he returns from injury. Manager Craig Counsell said the club's current plan is to have a group of Brandon Woodruff, Brent Suter, Yovani Gallardo, Junior Guerra and Aaron Wilkerson compete for the remaining starts. Even with Nelson's return, the current contingent is projected 15th in FanGraphs WAR at the position -- well behind the Cubs and Cardinals, who the Brewers will be chasing in the National League Central.

Couple their needs at the position and owner Mark Attanasio's comments at Fanfest last month indicating that the club had financial flexibility to add to it, and a union with Arrieta appears a strong fit. The Brewers finished with an MLB-low $63 million in payroll in 2017.

"We could sign a big pitcher. If the right situation comes along, we can take advantage of that," Attanasio said.

For all of these reasons, Heyman speculates Arrieta will (eventually) sign with the Brewers. He also notes the Nationals, Phillies, Cardinals and Twins -- each of whom have been linked to Arrieta -- as other potential landing spots, but not to as strong of an extent as Milwaukee. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 15.

Arrieta market may be down to Brewers, Twins
Now that Yu Darvish has agreed to a deal with the Cubs, the free-agent picture for Arrieta is starting to crystallize. The Brewers and Twins, two teams previously linked to Darvish, now appear to be two of the favorites to land Arrieta, according to a report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman on Sunday night. The Nationals, Phillies and Cardinals are also possible destinations for Arrieta, according to Heyman.

Per Heyman, the Brewers could be the most logical fit, and Milwaukee has "been in touch" with Arrieta. The Brewers have made some big splashes already this offseason, signing Lorenzo Cain and trading for Christian Yelich, but ace Jimmy Nelson is recovering from right shoulder surgery and their rotation could use a boost, especially if they want to keep pace with the improved Cubs.

The Nationals, meanwhile, are looking to make a deep postseason run, and Arrieta could take an already strong rotation to the next level. General manager Mike Rizzo reportedly loves the idea of adding someone like Arrieta, but Washington is also concerned with remaining below the luxury-tax threshold.

The Phillies are an up-and-coming young team, but they've also already signed Carlos Santana and could look to bolster their pitching staff, too. As Heyman notes, Phillies president Andy MacPhail, general manager Matt Klentak and director of player development Joe Jordan were all Orioles executives when Baltimore drafted Arrieta.

Video: Do Nationals make sense as a destination for Arrieta

According to Heyman, the Twins had appeared to favor Darvish and were focused on him, so an Arrieta-Twins pact might come as a surprise. But they do need pitching with Ervin Santana set to miss time while recovering from right middle finger surgery; the best fit might just be someone like Lance Lynn or Alex Cobb instead of Arrieta.

Looking to get back to the postseason amid a competitive NL Central, St. Louis can afford Arrieta, but improving its bullpen has been a higher priority than its rotation. Addressing that need, the club has reached a deal with free-agent reliever Bud Norris, a source told MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal on Monday morning. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 12.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Because Matt Harvey refuses to talk about the past, it is difficult to gauge how the former All-Star starter feels as he attempts to defibrillate his career. Harvey seemed strong enough in his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday, touching 96 mph in a 6-4 win over the Braves. He seemed confident enough in what manager Mickey Callaway called a sharp slider, confident enough in himself.

But Harvey won't compare anything to last year, when he suffered from shoulder fatigue early and posted an 11.28 ERA late, the whole performance forcing Mets officials to shrug their shoulders regarding his prospects for this season. Few players have a greater range of potential outcomes than Harvey, who won't acknowledge anything but what's right in front of him.

"It's a completely new year," Harvey said. "I'm not talking about last year. I'm not comparing anything to last year, or years before. My mechanics were good today, and I'm excited about the outing."

Throwing 38 pitches in total, Harvey ramped up his velocity more consistently as his outing progressed at Champion Stadium, hitting 95 mph four times during his final batter of the afternoon. He also featured a slider that sat around 86 mph, allowing one run on two hits and a walk against a Braves lineup composed mostly of regulars. Both of Harvey's called third strikes came on mid-90s fastballs.

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

"The hitters tell you a lot," Callaway said. "He had that extra gear, that extra life on his fastball. When you have Freddie Freeman swinging at balls late, you know you're doing something right."

As Harvey continues working back from the shoulder weakness that sidelined him for 2 1/2 months last year, and more generally from his July 2016 surgery to correct a career-altering battle with thoracic outlet syndrome, Callaway has stressed that the Mets do not want him to readopt his superhero persona. They do not need the Dark Knight. They simply need a successful fourth starter.

"We're going to rely on Matt Harvey," said Callaway, who has yet to commit publicly to anyone in the rotation but Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom. "We're going to need to be 10, 11 guys deep."

Tweet from @Mets: Mickey Callaway on what he saw out of @MattHarvey33 today. #Mets pic.twitter.com/ze5jaCqgnO

Throwing mid-90s fastballs and high-80s sliders Wednesday, Harvey certainly looked the part -- if nothing else, his past successes and $5.6 million salary skew the rotation battle in his favor. But there will always be uncertainty. No matter what Harvey does in February and March, the Mets can't trust those results until he reprises them in the regular season.

On that issue, at least, Harvey is willing to talk openly, expressing the same sort of confidence he has throughout his career.

"I'm not looking at stuff from last year," Harvey said. "It's a new year. I'm healthy. I'm ready to go."

If you can believe it, Opening Day is only four weeks away, and we're previewing each division every Wednesday. Baseball is an individual sport masquerading as a team sport, so, thus, we'll be previewing each division by counting down the 20 most pivotal players in the division. These aren't necessarily the best players. They're just the ones whose 2018 performance will be most vital to their teams' success this season, and in seasons moving forward. To keep it fair, we can only pick four players from each team.

Today: The National League West. Tell me what you think not just about this list, but also whom I should not miss when I do the American League Central next week, at [email protected].

Previously: NL Central | AL East

20. Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies
McMahon has shown considerable talent in the Minors -- he hit .374 in 70 games for Triple-A Albuquerque last year -- and the Rockies have rewarded him by giving him every chance to win the first-base job. But in a world where Logan Morrison is only getting $6.5 million a year, is entirely trusting the rookie at an easily upgradable position the right call?

19. Manuel Margot, San Diego Padres
Margot's first full season in the Majors gave us a rough sketch of the player he is, and who he might become. Present: Plays a great center field, can run like crazy, brings energy and youth to the top of the lineup and has a little more power than we may have thought. Future: Needs to strike out less, walk a lot more and generally just get that on-base percentage higher. Also, can we just all call him Manny now?

18. Brandon Crawford, San Francisco Giants
The 2017 season was a nightmare for Crawford, losing a close family member in April, suffering from minor nagging injuries all year and ultimately putting up the worst numbers of his career. He was nearly a six-win player in 2016, and if he can return to something close to that form, the Giants, for all their offseason acquisitions, will find one of their biggest improvements from within.

17. Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks
Another reminder that yesterday's failed starters are often tomorrow's dominant closers, Bradley thrived in relief in 2017, striking out more than a batter per inning and exhibiting pinpoint control that eluded him previously in his career. The D-backs are still debating whether or not he'll be the closer, but if he's not, it's because they want to deploy him in the highest-leverage position possible. Bradley is key to everything Arizona's bullpen does.

Video: SEA@SD: Tatis Jr. hits solo homer to right in the 8th

16. Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres
All right, so Tatis is probably not going to get called up until September, if even then. But at 19, he's already the most exciting prospect the Padres have had in years, and with only Freddy Galvis (whose contract is up at the end of the year and thus has no real reason for San Diego to stick with him) ahead of him, the club will have to be tempted if he's raking in the Minors. This franchise is all about the future, and Tatis is the face of that future. Though if he doesn't hit two grand slams in an inning, I won't be impressed. (Does Chan Ho Park have any pitching sons?)

15. Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers
The advantage of being the Dodgers is when you have a young hitter like Pederson -- who looked like a budding superstar at age 23 -- struggle, you can give him time to figure it out and still have plenty of options if he doesn't. The step backward last season led to many Dodgers fans losing patience with him, but he's still just 25 and coming off an excellent postseason. Pederson may need to produce now, though, or he may find himself on the bench … or on another team.

14. Tyler Anderson, Colorado Rockies
The dirty secret about the Rockies is that their team strength is pitching, not their lineup. But to repeat its 2017 success, Colorado will need Anderson, who missed much of last year with a left knee injury but was excellent when he returned in September, to become a rotation mainstay. Many in Denver think he's due for a breakout season, but the metrics are more skeptical.

13. A.J. Pollock, Arizona Diamondbacks
Pollock was one of the 10 most valuable players in baseball in 2015, and it's been all about staying on the field since then. He missed almost all of '16 with a right elbow injury -- derailing the D-backs' season right along with him -- and his return in '17 was hampered by a groin injury. Pollock is still a fantastic center fielder with power and speed, but he's also 30 years old now. Can he be that '15 player again?

12. Wil Myers, San Diego Padres
Myers has benefited in recent years of being the biggest fish in the small San Diego pond, looking like a brighter star than he is because there was nobody else around. Now that Eric Hosmer is in town, he has some help, but he'll have to move to the outfield to make room. Myers still doesn't quite get on base enough and is a larger factor in fantasy baseball than in reality, but he's only 27; maybe there's more growth to be had.

Video: Must C Classic: Bellinger's HR sets NL rookie record

11. Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
The power was downright staggering at times -- Bellinger is one of those players who makes hitting homers look easy -- but it sure was brutal to watch him in the postseason. That ugly October, including those 17 World Series strikeouts in 29 at-bats, has many predicting a sophomore slump. But even a slump probably ends with 35-plus homers. He's going to hit 50 soon. If it's this year, the Dodgers might not lose a game.

Halftime mascot break! NL West mascots, ranked.

1. Lou Seal
All love to the Crazy Crab, but everybody loves seals, particularly ones that wear sunglasses.

2. Swinging Friar
You can keep your Chicken. I'll stand with the Friar, who has always struck me as what your biology teacher would look like if he were a cartoon. He could probably use some help with the hair, though.

3. Dinger
You're not going to count me among the Dinger haters. Someone probably needs to get him a bigger jersey though.

4. Baxter the Bobcat
Baxter's got spirit, but he's still mostly indistinguishable from a mascot for a middle-tier college basketball team. He has his utility, though: A snake mascot would probably be too scary.

5. Unknown Dodgers mascot
This scary thing doesn't count, and, alas, neither does Rally Bear.

10. Evan Longoria, San Francisco Giants
It's going to take half the season just to get used to Longoria in that uniform.

9. Andrew McCutchen, San Francisco Giants
Oh, McCutchen even more so.

8. Ian Desmond, Colorado Rockies
Many questioned the Rockies' signing of Desmond before last season, but 2017 went even worse than the most grizzled skeptic could have anticipated, with a broken left hand in Spring Training, a strained right calf later in the year and all sorts of positional confusion. It ended up a lost year, but he's still a line-drive hitter with speed who now doesn't have to pretend he's a first baseman. Colorado had one of its best seasons without Desmond contributing much last year; if he can at least approach what they thought they were buying, this lineup gets some much-needed depth.

7. Robbie Ray, Arizona Diamondbacks
How do you improve on a season in which you shaved two runs off your ERA and posted the highest strikeouts per nine innings in the NL? Ray maybe walked a few too many guys in 2017, and he sometimes had a difficult time going deep into starts. If he can add more innings pitched and chop off a few walks, you're looking at an NL Cy Young Award contender. Ray says last season was "the floor." If so, look out.

Video: SD@SEA: Hosmer brings home Galvis for first ST RBI

6. Eric Hosmer, San Diego Padres
The contract was a lot, but San Diego has to spend that money somewhere, so why not spend it on a steady, if unspectacular, producer who you can put in the lineup every day for the next half-decade and feel positive about it? You'd like Hosmer to join the "launch angle revolution," but even if he doesn't, he's still the best hitter on a team that, frankly, could use a few more like him. Plus: Face of the franchise! (Until Tatis gets here.)

5. Yasiel Puig, Los Angeles Dodgers
All right, the agent thing was pretty strange, and definitely raised all those eyebrows that are constantly raising whenever Puig's name comes up. But from 10,000 feet up, it sure looks like the Dodgers have their budding star back. Puig shook off two subpar seasons to put up career highs in homers, RBIs and stolen bases, and while the average probably isn't going to approach .300 again, that arm in right field more than makes up for that. The Dodgers stuck with Puig through all the turmoil, and they have been rewarded. Now, as long as all that turmoil is over … And it is, right? Right?

4. Wade Davis, Colorado Rockies
Colorado's bullpen splurge stunned the game this offseason, spending more than $100 million on three guys to theoretically set up a dominant end-of-game strategy. It's not a terrible way of doing business in 2018, but Davis might have been the riskiest of the investments. Sure, he only blew one save last year for the Cubs, but his velocity was down and his walk rate way up. The Rockies think they're getting a shutdown closer. Their season may depend on it.

3. Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
We're never going to fully appreciate Goldschmidt. He put together another jaw-dropping season in 2017, reaching his career high in homers and remaining one of the most consistent players in the sport. The advantage Goldschmidt had last year that he won't this year is J.D. Martinez next to him in the lineup. The Diamondbacks have gotten MVP production from a guy who has never made more than $10 million in a season; that allows for a rather wide margin of error elsewhere. But he went six seasons in between playoff appearances. Without Martinez and entering his 30s, how long will Goldschmidt have to wait for the next one?

2. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
Bumgarner avoided the injury bug that takes down most pitchers for his entire career until, ultimately, the dirt bike got him. He wasn't quite himself when he returned, though, to be fair, the Giants' season was long lost by that point. For all the postseason love, Bumgarner, if you can believe this, has never actually finished higher than fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting. He is still somehow only 28 years old -- he's younger than Tommy Pham! -- and has two years left on the deal he signed in 2012 before he can finally hit the free-agent market. Now would be the time to get one of those Cy Young Awards.

1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Of course, this guy might have something to say about that, and he might have a free agency coming up of his own, were he to opt out of his contract at the end of the year. (Fun fact: Kershaw has already made almost $100 million more than Bumgarner in his career.) Kershaw remains the best pitcher in baseball by a wide margin, but he's gotta stay on the mound; if he had stayed healthy the last two seasons, he would probably have five NL Cy Young Awards by now. If he can reach 200 innings, which he hasn't done since 2015, he'll win another NL Cy Young Award, maybe an NL MVP Award and make all the money next offseason. And he might just get the Dodgers back to the World Series. Kershaw turns 30 in three weeks. With health, we're looking at peak Kershaw. Yikes.

Video: Outlook: Kershaw still game's best pitcher

We finish this preview, as we will with all of them, with predictions. I apologize in advance because these predictions are guaranteed to be correct and thus I'm a little worried I'm spoiling the season for you.

Los Angeles Dodgers: 102-60
Arizona Diamondbacks: 86-76
San Francisco Giants: 83-79
Colorado Rockies: 78-84
San Diego Padres: 71-91

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- First baseman Lucas Duda will be forever entrenched in Royals lore because of his wild throw with the Mets in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series. The errant toss allowed Eric Hosmer's famous Mad Dash to be successful, tying the game in the ninth inning and paving the way for an eventual Royals championship.

Now, of all things, Duda will be replacing Hosmer at first base in a Royals uniform.

Duda signed a one-year deal with the Royals on Wednesday. A source confirmed the deal is worth $3.5 million with $1.3 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances -- Duda will get $100,000 for reaching 300 PAs with a total of 13 intervals from there, maxing out at 600 PAs.

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Naturally, after arriving in camp, Duda was asked about the infamous Game 5 play.

"Funny how baseball works out," Duda said. "You learn from failure. For Kansas City fans who don't think I'm the right fit, I'm out to prove them wrong."

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

The Royals designated for assignment outfielder Billy Burns, who was out of options, to make room on the 40-man roster.

The Royals had been exploring internal options at first base after Hosmer signed with the Padres. Those options included 26-year-old Hunter Dozier, who is trying to make the conversion from third base and the outfield to first base.

The signing of Duda, 32, gives the Royals a veteran presence on the field and in the clubhouse, but likely will ticket Dozier for Triple-A Omaha, unless he can wow the coaching staff this spring and make the club at another position.

"I really just found out a few minutes ago," Dozier said. "To me, it doesn't change anything. I'm still going to do whatever I can to make this team."

Royals general manager Dayton Moore was adamant that the Duda signing will not block the long-term progress of Dozier or any other of the young first-base prospects, such as Ryan O'Hearn or Frank Schwindel.

"As I said before, we're very encouraged about our first-base options going forward," Moore said. "But it puts us in a position where we don't have to rush the process. We've seen players like Whit Merrifield, we've seen players like Paulo Orlando, the importance of getting a lot of at-bats at the Minor League level as they mature, and then when they get to the Major League level and they're much more productive.

"We want to give them perhaps some more time. Doesn't mean that their time won't happen at some point during the 2018 season, but we'll see. Remember, too, Hunter played 34 or 36 games last year [because of injuries]."

Tweet from @Royals: We have signed first baseman Lucas Duda to a one-year deal. Welcome to the #Royals! pic.twitter.com/pM2oybNhhk

Duda, who hit 30 home runs last season between the Mets and the Rays, gives the Royals another left-handed bat in a prominently right-handed lineup. He is seventh in Mets franchise history with 125 home runs.

Hitting at spacious Kauffman Stadium, though, will present challenges.

"We'll see. Maybe [those home runs] turn into doubles," Duda said. "It's a beautiful stadium with great fans. We'll see what happens."

Royals manager Ned Yost said Duda should be able to see game action within a week or so.

Video: How Duda joining the Royals impacts fantasy drafts

Fantasy spin | Fred Zinkie (@FredZinkieMLB)
A career .242 hitter who sometimes struggles against left-handers (he has a career .659 OPS against lefties), Duda lacks the overall profile to warrant attention in 10-team leagues. However, the slugger has produced at least 27 homers in three of the past four seasons and should overcome the power-suppressing nature of Kauffman Stadium to provide at least 25 homers for wise deep-mixed owners. Duda carries extra intrigue in daily-transaction leagues, where his skills vs. righties (a career .842 OPS) can be maximized.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Rangers have not officially announced the signing of former Giants star right-hander Tim Lincecum, whom they agreed to a contract with Tuesday, pending a physical, so their plans for the 33-year-old right-hander remain speculative for now.

Lincecum could compete for the closer's role, or be a candidate for the starting rotation. But one thing is certain: Lincecum's new manager has seen enough of him to have high expectations.

"I know he's got two Cy Youngs, he was an All-Star four times … his nickname was 'The Freak' and he was really, really good," manager Jeff Banister said. "That's what I know about him. Just the overall stuff and how he competed -- his stuff was electric, you didn't see anybody like this. He was about as individual as they come. He's pretty special."

Banister's familiarity with Lincecum stems from the manager's time as Pirates bench coach from 2011-14. Lincecum won the National League Cy Young Award in 2008 and '09, and he was a key piece of the Giants teams that won three World Series during his time there from 2007-15.

Banister and the Rangers also saw Lincecum in 2016, when he struggled to a 2-6 record and 9.16 ERA in nine starts for the Angels. One of those two wins came against Texas, when Lincecum allowed five runs (three earned) on nine hits and struck out seven in five innings on July 19, 2016.

Video: TEX@LAA: Lincecum fans Rua to escape bases-loaded jam

A month later, Lincecum underwent left hip surgery. He did not pitch professionally last season.

A 40-man roster move will be necessary if Lincecum's deal is a Major League contract as expected. Terms of the contract have yet to be disclosed.

Profar 'locked in'
Batting third and playing shortstop in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the White Sox, utility man Jurickson Profar went 1-for-3, plating the game's first run with an RBI double to left-center field in the first inning.

"Really good balance from both sides of the plate, very aggressive, early-count swinging," Banister said. "He's not missing. He seems to be pretty well locked in on the fastball right now."

Video: TEX@CWS: Profar doubles home Choo in the first

Profar missed the Opening Day roster last year, despite a decent spring, and he did not get a September callup. This spring, Banister wants to be sure Profar has the opportunity to make his case for staying with the Major League club.

"The biggest thing for him is right now he knows that he's going to be out there playing, he's going to be staying on the dirt for now, playing a lot of shortstop, second base and some third base," Banister said. "It's a situation where I told him, 'Don't worry about what the end of Spring Training brings, just go get yourself ready to play and make yourself one of the core group of players.' He's doing that."

Rangers bullish on Perez's timetable
After Martin Perez threw well in live batting practice Tuesday, Banister said the Rangers left-hander is pushing himself on an aggressive timetable to return from a freak elbow injury involving a bull on his ranch in Venezuela. Perez broke his right elbow and had surgery in December.

Banister said Perez is motivated to prove wrong anyone who doubts he'll be ready to start when his turn in the rotation comes in April.

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

"Keep telling him he can't, do us a favor," Banister said. "This is a high-achieving [player] mentally, he wants to be great, he really does. Sometimes the 'want to' and then the 'how to,' they've got to match up. We're getting real close to that with Martin.

"The other part of that is that he went through a situation this winter that I'm sure scared him. You can get scared and feared into being really good and sharp. That's kind of where he's at. Along with that, I know Martin, the more you question whether or not he'll be able to do this, it'll be better for us."

Claudio, Jurado see first action
Coming off a stellar 2017 season in which he ranked among the American League's top 10 relievers in ERA, innings, games and games finished, left-hander Alex Claudio made his first Cactus League appearance of '18 with a scoreless third inning on Wednesday. Claudio hit Tyler Saladino, but he quickly induced a double play and a weak groundout to first base for a clean outing.

Ariel Jurado also appeared in his first spring game, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits in 1 2/3 innings of relief.

Up next
The Rangers will play split-squad action Thursday, with Bartolo Colon starting at home in Surprise, Ariz., against the Padres and Clayton Blackburn starting at Hohokam Stadium against the A's.

Colon is a 20-year veteran, 240-game winner and non-roster invitee making his first start with the Rangers, while Blackburn is a 25-year-old prospect who pitched 19 games (18 starts) for Triple-A Round Rock last season, going 6-2 with a 4.65 ERA. First pitch for both games is 2:05 p.m. CT.

Lynn FA buzz: Phils maintaining interest
The Phillies have been in touch with free agent right-hander Lance Lynn's camp in recent weeks, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.

A deal might be close at the moment, but Philadelphia has been actively monitoring the free-agent market for a starting pitcher this spring with camp already underway in Clearwater, Fla. In the past few weeks the club has also had dialogue with free-agent righty Jake Arrieta.

:: Free agent buzz ::

The Phillies recently named right-hander Aaron Nola as their Opening Day starter, but they lack reliable rotation options after him. Jerad Eickhoff had an uneven 2017 season (4.71 ERA), and Vincent Velasquez -- while occasionally dominant -- has struggled to stay on the mound and been inconsistent when healthy, posting a 5.13 ERA in 15 starts last year. Lynn would offer someone with a proven track record to slide in behind Nola.

Lynn went 11-8 with a 3.43 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 33 starts for the Cardinals last year after missing the entire 2016 season due to Tommy John surgery. The 30 year old compiled a career record of 72-47 with a 3.38 ERA in 183 appearances (161 starts) in six seasons in St. Louis.

Yankees intersted in Lynn
The Yankees, looking to add to a rotation that already should stack up as one of the best in the American League, have "maintained contact" with right-hander Lance Lynn since the start of the offseason, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.

Morosi speculates the Yankees are in a better position to sign Lynn now than earlier in February, when it seemed like New York might make a run at free-agent third baseman Mike Moustakas.

However, acquiring Brandon Drury from the D-backs gives the Yankees a cheaper option at the hot corner while retaining "roughly $25 million in spending power for additional signings, trades and callups" per Morosi, while staying under the $197 million luxury-tax threshold.

New York already has Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray and CC Sabathia slotted into their top four rotation spots, and bringing in Lynn would give the team more time to continue developing promising youngster Jordan Montgomery, who went 9-7 with a 3.88 ERA in 29 starts in 2017.

Morosi expects Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to do one of two things: upgrade at starter now while the asking prices for Lynn, Jake Arrieta and Alex Cobb may have lessened, or wait until the non-waiver Trade Deadline to deal for a hurler as the club gears up to make a run at the World Series.

Lynn, 30, is 72-47 with a 3.38 ERA in 183 games (161 starts) across parts of six seasons with the Cardinals. He has exceeded at least 175 innings in each of his past five seasons he's pitched (he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015 and missed all of 2016).

-- This report was first posted on Feb. 25.

Redbird return in play?
Lance Lynn has been nothing if not consistent in his six seasons with the Cardinals (he has posted an earned run average at or above the league-adjusted average in five of those campaigns), yet his name remains on the free-agent market.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman speculated in a post for FanRag Sports that the Draft pick that a signing team would have to give up -- on account of the one-year, $17.4 million qualifying offer Lynn rejected in November -- might be a sticking point and a reason the right-hander remains unsigned. For that reason, Heyman predicted Thursday that Lynn will eventually winding up re-signing with the Cardinals, with the Brewers, Mets, Phillies and Twins being other clear contenders for his services.

There would appear to be a potential spot on St. Louis' rotation should the Cardinals find a way to sign Lynn. Carlos Martinez, Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright figure to be reliable options, but plenty of question marks accompany Miles Mikolas (returning to the Majors after a three-year stint in Japan) and sophomore righty Luke Weaver. A reliable innings-eater like Lynn would certainly give Cardinals manager Mike Matheny some added peace of mind every fifth day. --This report was first posted on Feb. 15.

Yankees monitoring Lynn's market
With reported targets Yu Darvish and Todd Frazier now off the market, the Yankees' free-agent plans could begin to take shape. MLB.com's Jon Morosi reported Sunday that the club has kept tabs on Lance Lynn this offseason, but it's not clear if the veteran right-hander will fit into their remaining budget of about $15 million for between now and Opening Day.

Morosi noted that while the Yankees have some room before they reach the $197 million luxury-tax threshold, they would still like to maintain payroll flexibility for potential Trade Deadline moves.

The Yankees have also been linked to Rays right-hander Jake Odorizzi, a frequent subject of trade rumors this winter. The club's current rotation projects to include Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino, Sonny Gray, CC Sabathia and Jordan Montgomery.  -- This report was first posted on Feb. 11.

Line for Lynn appears to have gotten longer
Given the development, or lack thereof, of this year's standstill free-agent starting pitcher market, Lynn finds himself in an unenviable position of waiting for the chips to fall ahead of him.

Lynn has still yet to find a home, but a report by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold suggests seven to eight teams have shown interest in the right-hander.

Interestingly, Lynn's former team, the Cardinals, are not among those Goold listed. Although they extended him a qualifying offer, the Cardinals seem content for now to stick with their existing rotation.

Among those interested include the Brewers, Cubs, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Rays and Twins.

The Brewers, Twins and Orioles have the most need for starting pitching among that group. Minnesota and Milwaukee will be without their best starters -- Ervin Santana and Jimmy Nelson -- for the beginning of the season, while Baltimore is still trying to fill three spots in its rotation left by departed free agents.

The Cubs and Nationals are looking to round out their rotations as they look to defend their respective divisions. Each has four rotation spots set but could use Lynn's durability over younger options.

Meanwhile, the Rays could be interested in Lynn if they trade fellow right-hander Jake Odorizzi. The Mets are mentioned as a potential suitor and could use stability in the rotation after injuries caused them to employ 12 starters in 2017. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 8.

Lynn engages discussions with Orioles
Desperately in need of starting pitching depth, but potentially hesitant to sign a multi-year deal for as much, the Orioles last week engaged in contract discussions with Lynn, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal. However, negotiations did not advance to a serious stage. The Orioles had shown interest as early as November, per MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.

"Agents and rival clubs say the Orioles routinely go hot and cold in discussions, making them difficult to read," Rosenthal reported.

The Orioles are in need of at least two starting pitchers to round out their rotation -- currently listed as some form of Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Gabriel Ynoa, Miguel Castro and Alec Asher -- and have also been linked to free agents Andrew Cashner, Jason Vargas and Chris Tillman, per Rosenthal. Orioles starters last year finished with the Majors' worst ERA (5.70) and fewest innings (846) in the American League.  -- This report was first posted on Feb. 7.

Lynn likely to sign after Darvish, Arrieta
Viewed as a respectable second-tier arm among this year's class of available starters, the reality of Lynn's case is that he may be a fallback option for clubs aspiring to sign Jake Arrieta or Yu Darvish. In that vein, Lynn could either benefit from a potential megadeal one of those bluechips would sign, thus establishing his market, or -- as has played out -- he may be hamstrung by waiting deep into the offseason to land a job.

According to a Jan. 28 report from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, at least one Major League executive opined that neither Lynn or Alex Cobb -- a fellow free agent starting pitcher viewed in the same neighborhood of value as Lynn -- would make a prospective club feel better about losing out on Darvish or Arrieta.

"I see them both as No. 3 or 4 starters," the executive said. "Neither gets me excited, but I'd take them both on my team."

Lynn, who turns 31 in May, re-established his value last season after returning from Tommy John surgery and embodying the longevity he showed before the elbow injury. He led the National League with 33 starts reached 175 innings for the fifth time in as many as his full Major League seasons. His career 72-47 record and 3.38 ERA show an established body of work. He may not present a frontline presence that Darvish or Arrieta would, but he'd be an asset to a team seeking dependable rotation depth.

Lynn rejected a $17.4 million qualifying offer from the Cardinals, which would attach him to Draft pick compensation for whichever club signed him, dependent on the contract he signs and the acquiring club's luxury-tax status. -- This report was first posted on Jan. 28.

Spring Training is underway and the 2018 regular season is just around the corner. Here's our best guess at how all 30 lineups, rotations and closer spots will shake out. A lot can change between now and Opening Day, so these predictions are fluid. We'll update them as Spring Training progresses.

ANGELS
Lineup:
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Mike Trout, CF
3. Justin Upton, LF
4. Albert Pujols, DH
5. Kole Calhoun, RF
6. Zack Cozart, 3B
7. Luis Valbuena, 1B
8. Andrelton Simmons, SS
9. Martin Maldonado, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Garrett Richards, RHP
2. Shohei Othani, RHP
3. Andrew Heaney, LHP
4. Tyler Skaggs, LHP
5. Matt Shoemaker, RHP
6. JC Ramirez, RHP
Closer: Blake Parker
• Angels depth chart >

ASTROS
Lineup:
1. George Springer, CF
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
3. Jose Altuve, 2B
4. Carlos Correa, SS
5. Josh Reddick, RF
6. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
7. Marwin Gonzalez, LF
8. Evan Gattis, DH
9. Brian McCann, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Justin Verlander, RHP
2. Dallas Keuchel, LHP
3. Gerrit Cole, RHP
4. Lance McCullers Jr., RHP
5. Charlie Morton, RHP
Closer: Ken Giles, RHP
• Astros depth chart >

ATHLETICS
Lineup:
1. Marcus Semien, SS
2. Matt Joyce, LF
3. Jed Lowrie, 2B
4. Khris Davis, DH
5. Matt Olson, 1B
6. Stephen Piscotty, RF
7. Matt Chapman, 3B
8. Bruce Maxwell, C
9. Dustin Fowler, CF

Rotation and closer:
1. Kendall Graveman, RHP
2. Sean Manaea, LHP
3. Daniel Mengden, RHP
4. Jharel Cotton, RHP
5. Paul Blackburn, RHP
Closer: Blake Treinen, RHP
• A's depth chart >

BLUE JAYS
Lineup:
1. Devon Travis, 2B
2. Josh Donaldson, 3B
3. Justin Smoak, 1B
4. Kendrys Morales, DH
5. Randal Grichuk, RF
6. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
7. Russell Martin, C
8. Curtis Granderson, LF
9. Kevin Pillar, CF

Rotation and closer:
1. Marcus Stroman, RHP
2. J.A. Happ, LHP
3. Aaron Sanchez, RHP
4. Marco Estrada, RHP
5. Jaime Garcia, LHP
Closer: Roberto Osuna, RHP
• Blue Jays depth chart >

BRAVES
Lineup:
1. Ender Inciarte, CF
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Tyler Flowers, C
5. Nick Markakis, RF
6. Lane Adams / Preston Tucker, LF
7. Johan Camargo, 3B
8. Dansby Swanson, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Julio Teheran, RHP
2. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP
3. Sean Newcomb, LHP
4. Brandon McCarthy, RHP
5. Luiz Gohara, LHP
Closer: Arodys Vizcaino

Note: No. 2 overall prospect Ronald Acuna is not expected to break camp as the starting left fielder.
• Braves depth chart >

BREWERS
Lineup:
1. Christian Yelich, LF 
2. Lorenzo Cain, CF
3. Travis Shaw, 3B
4. Eric Thames / Ryan Braun, 1B
5. Domingo Santana, RF
6. Manny Pina, C
7. Orlando Arcia, SS
8. Jonathan Villar, 2B

Rotation and closer:
1. Chase Anderson, RHP
2. Zach Davies, RHP
3. Jhoulys Chacin, RHP
4. Brent Suter, LHP
5. Junior Guerra, RHP
Closer: Corey Knebel, RHP
• Brewers depth chart >

CARDINALS
Lineup:
1. Dexter Fowler, RF
2. Tommy Pham, CF
3. Matt Carpenter, 1B
4. Marcell Ozuna, LF
5. Jedd Gyorko, 3B
6. Yadier Molina, C
7. Paul DeJong, SS
8. Kolten Wong, 2B 

Rotation and closer:
1. Carlos Martinez, RHP
2. Michael Wacha, RHP
3. Adam Wainwright, RHP
4. Miles Mikolas, RHP
5. Luke Weaver, RHP
Closer: Luke Gregerson, RHP
• Cardinals depth chart >

CUBS
Lineup:
1. Albert Almora Jr., CF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Willson Contreras, C
5. Kyle Schwarber, LF
6. Addison Russell, SS
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. Javier Baez, 2B

Rotation and closer:
1. Jon Lester, LHP
2. Yu Darvish, RHP
3. Jose Quintana, LHP
4. Kyle Hendricks, RHP
5. Tyler Chatwood, RHP
Closer: Brandon Morrow, RHP

Note: Leadoff hitter vs. RHP undecided.
• Cubs depth chart >

D-BACKS
Lineup:
1. A.J. Pollock, CF
2. David Peralta, LF
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Jake Lamb, 3B
5. Steven Souza Jr., RF
6. Alex Avila, C
7. Ketel Marte, 2B
8. Nick Ahmed, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Zack Greinke, RHP
2. Robbie Ray, LHP
3. Taijuan Walker, RHP
4. Patrick Corbin, LHP
5. Zack Godley, RHP
Closer: TBA

Note: RHPs Brad Boxberger, Archie Bradley and Yoshihisa Hirano are competing for the closer job.
• D-backs depth chart >

DODGERS
Lineup:
1. Chris Taylor, CF
2. Corey Seager, SS
3. Justin Turner, 3B
4. Cody Bellinger, 1B
5. Yasiel Puig, RF
6. Matt Kemp, LF
7. Yasmani Grandal, C
8. Logan Forsythe, 2B

Rotation and closer:
1. Clayton Kershaw, LHP
2. Rich Hill, LHP
3. Alex Wood, LHP
4. Kenta Maeda, RHP
5. Hyun-Jin Ryu, LHP
Closer: Kenley Jansen

Note: If Kemp is not with the team on Opening Day, Joc Pederson, Andrew Toles and Enrique Hernandez would be in the mix to play LF.
• Dodgers depth chart >

GIANTS
Lineup:
1. Andrew McCutchen, RF
2. Joe Panik, 2B
3. Buster Posey, C
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Brandon Belt, 1B
6. Hunter Pence, LF
7. Brandon Crawford, SS
8. Austin Jackson, CF

Rotation and closer:
1. Madison Bumgarner, LHP
2. Johnny Cueto, RHP
3. Jeff Samardzija, RHP
4. Ty Blach, LHP
5. Chris Stratton, RHP
Closer: Mark Melancon, RHP
• Giants depth chart >

INDIANS
Lineup:
1. Francisco Lindor, SS
2. Jason Kipnis, 2B
3. Jose Ramirez, 3B
4. Edwin Encarnacion, DH
5. Michael Brantley, LF
6. Yonder Alonso, 1B
7. Lonnie Chisenhall, RF
8. Roberto Perez, C
9. Bradley Zimmer, CF

Rotation and closer:
1. Corey Kluber, RHP
2. Carlos Carrasco, RHP
3. Trevor Bauer, RHP
4. Mike Clevinger, RHP
5. Josh Tomlin, RHP
Closer: Cody Allen, RHP
• Indians depth chart >

MARINERS
Lineup:
1. Dee Gordon, CF
2. Jean Segura, SS
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. Nelson Cruz, DH
5. Kyle Seager, 3B
6. Ryon Healy, 1B
7. Mitch Haniger, RF
8. Mike Zunino, C
9. Ben Gamel, LF

Rotation and closer:
1. Felix Hernandez, RHP
2. James Paxton, LHP
3. Mike Leake, RHP
4. Erasmo Ramirez, RHP
5. Marco Gonzales, LHP
Closer: Edwin Diaz, RHP
• Mariners depth chart >

MARLINS
Lineup:
1. Cameron Maybin, RF
2. J.T. Realmuto, C
3. Starlin Castro, 2B
4. Justin Bour, 1B
5. Martin Prado, 3B
6. Derek Dietrich, LF
7. Lewis Brinson, CF
8. Miguel Rojas, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Dan Straily, RHP
2. Jose Urena, RHP
3. Dillon Peters, LHP
4. Adam Conley, RHP
5. Sandy Alcantara, RHP
Closer: Brad Ziegler, RHP
• Marlins depth chart >

METS
Lineup:
1. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
2. Yoenis Cespedes, LF
3. Jay Bruce, RF
4. Todd Frazier, 3B
5. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
6. Travis d'Arnaud, C
7. Juan Lagares, CF
8. Amed Rosario, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Jacob deGrom, RHP
2. Noah Syndergaard, RHP
3. Jason Vargas, LHP
4. Matt Harvey, RHP
5. Steven Matz, LHP
Closer: Jeurys Familia, RHP
• Mets depth chart >

NATIONALS
Lineup:
1. Adam Eaton, LF
2. Trea Turner, SS
3. Bryce Harper, RF
4. Anthony Rendon, 3B
5. Daniel Murphy, 2B
6. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
7. Matt Wieters, C
8. Michael A. Taylor, CF

Rotation and closer:
1. Max Scherzer, RHP
2. Stephen Strasburg, RHP
3. Gio Gonzalez, LHP
4. Tanner Roark, RHP
5. A.J. Cole, RHP
Closer: Sean Doolittle, LHP
• Nationals depth chart >

ORIOLES
Lineup:
1. Tim Beckham, 3B
2. Manny Machado, SS
3. Jonathan Schoop, 2B
4. Adam Jones, CF
5. Trey Mancini, LF
6. Chris Davis, 1B
7. Mark Trumbo, DH
8. Colby Rasmus, RF
9. Chance Sisco, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Dylan Bundy, RHP
2. Andrew Cashner, RHP
3. Kevin Gausman, RHP
4. Chris Tillman, RHP
5. Mike Wright Jr. RHP
Closer: Brad Brach, RHP
• Orioles depth chart >

PADRES
Lineup:
1. Manuel Margot, CF
2. Wil Myers, RF
3. Eric Hosmer, 1B
4. Jose Pirela, LF
5. Chase Headley, 3B
6. Carlos Asuaje, 2B
7. Freddy Galvis, SS
8. Austin Hedges, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Clayton Richard, LHP
2. Bryan Mitchell, RHP
3. Dinelson Lamet, RHP
4. Luis Perdomo, RHP
5. Tyson Ross, RHP
Closer: Brad Hand, LHP
• Padres depth chart >

PHILLIES
Lineup:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Carlos Santana, 1B
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
4. Rhys Hoskins, LF
5. Aaron Altherr / Nick Williams, RF
6. Maikel Franco, 3B
7. J.P. Crawford, SS
8. Jorge Alfaro, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Aaron Nola, RHP
2. Jerad Eickhoff, RHP
3. Vince Velasquez, RHP
4. Nick Pivetta, RHP
5. Ben Lively, RHP
Closer: Hector Neris, RHP
• Phillies depth chart >

PIRATES
Lineup:
1. Josh Harrison, 2B
2. Corey Dickerson, LF
3. Starling Marte, CF
4. Josh Bell, 1B
5. Gregory Polanco, RF
6. Francisco Cervelli, C
7. Colin Moran, 3B
8. Jordy Mercer, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Jameson Taillon, RHP
2. Ivan Nova, RHP
3. Joe Musgrove, RHP
4. Chad Kuhl, RHP
5. Trevor Williams, RHP
Closer: Felipe Rivero, LHP
• Pirates depth chart >

RANGERS
Lineup:
1. Delino DeShields, CF
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. Shin-Soo Choo, DH
4. Adrian Beltre, 3B
5. Nomar Mazara, RF
6. Joey Gallo, 1B
7. Robinson Chirinos, C
8. Willie Calhoun, LF
9. Rougned Odor, 2B

Rotation and closer:
1. Cole Hamels, LHP
2. Matt Moore, LHP
3. Mike Minor, LHP
4. Doug Fister, RHP
5. Martin Perez, LHP
Closer: Alex Claudio, LHP
• Rangers depth chart >

RAYS
Lineup:
1. Denard Span, DH
2. Kevin Kiermaier, CF
3. Matt Duffy, 3B
4. Carlos Gomez, RF
5. Brad Miller, 2B
6. Wilson Ramos, C
7. C.J. Cron, 1B
8. Adeiny Hechavarria, SS
9. Mallex Smith, LF

Rotation and closer:
1. Chris Archer, RHP
2. Blake Snell, LHP
3. Jake Faria, RHP
4. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
Closer: Alex Colome, RHP
• Rays depth chart >

REDS
Lineup:
1. Billy Hamilton, CF
2. Eugenio Suarez, 3B
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Scooter Gennett, 2B
5. Adam Duvall, LF
6. Scott Schebler, RF
7. Jose Peraza, SS
8. Tucker Barnhart, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Anthony DeSclafani, RHP
2. Brandon Finnegan, LHP
3. Homer Bailey, RHP
4. Luis Castillo, RHP
5. Sal Romano, LHP
Closer: Raisel Iglesias, RHP
• Reds depth chart >

RED SOX
Lineup:
1. Mookie Betts, RF
2. Andrew Benintendi, LF
3. Hanley Ramirez, 1B
4. J.D. Martinez, DH
5. Rafael Devers, 3B
6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
7. Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
8. Christian Vazquez, C
9. Eduardo Nunez, 2B

Rotation and closer:
1. Chris Sale, LHP
2. David Price, LHP
3. Rick Porcello, RHP
4. Drew Pomeranz, LHP
5. Steven Wright, RHP
Closer: Craig Kimbrel, RHP
• Red Sox depth chart >

ROCKIES
Lineup:
1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Nolan Arenado, 3B
4. Trevor Story, SS
5. Gerardo Parra, RF
6. Ian Desmond, LF
7. Ryan McMahon, 1B
8. Chris Iannetta, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Jon Gray, RHP
2. Chad Bettis, RHP
3. Tyler Anderson, RHP
4. German Marquez, RHP
5. Kyle Freeland, LHP
Closer: Wade Davis, RHP
• Rockies depth chart >

ROYALS
Lineup:
1. Whit Merrifield, 2B
2. Jorge Bonifacio, RF
3. Alex Gordon, LF
4. Salvador Perez, C
5. Jorge Soler, DH
6. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B
7. Hunter Dozier, 1B
8. Paulo Orlando, CF
9. Alcides Escobar, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Danny Duffy, LHP
2. Ian Kennedy, RHP
3. Jason Hammel, RHP
4. Jakob Junis, RHP 
5. Nathan Karns, RHP
Closer: Kelvin Herrera, RHP
• Royals depth chart >

TIGERS
Lineup:
1. Leonys Martin, CF
2. Mikie Mahtook, LF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Nicholas Castellanos, RF
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. James McCann, C
7. Jeimer Candelario, 3B
8. Dixon Machado 2B
9. Jose Iglesias, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Michael Fulmer, RHP
2. Matthew Boyd, LHP
3. Jordan Zimmermann, RHP
4. Mike Fiers, RHP
5. Daniel Norris, LHP
Closer: Shane Greene, RHP
• Tigers depth chart >

TWINS
Lineup:
1. Brian Dozier, 2B
2. Joe Mauer, 1B
3. Miguel Sano, 3B
4. Logan Morrison, DH
5. Eddie Rosario, LF
6. Byron Buxton, CF
7. Max Kepler, RF
8. Jorge Polanco, SS
9. Jason Castro, C

Rotation and closer:
1. Jose Berrios, RHP
2. Jake Odorizzi, RHP
3. Kyle Gibson, RHP
4. Adalberto Mejia, LHP
5. Anibal Sanchez, RHP
Closer: Fernando Rodney, RHP
• Twins depth chart >

WHITE SOX
Lineup:
1. Leury Garcia, LF
2. Yoan Moncada, 2B
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. Avisail Garcia, RF
5. Welington Castillo, C
6. Nicky Delmonico, DH
7. Tim Anderson, SS
8. Adam Engel, CF
9. Yolmer Sanchez, 3B

Rotation and closer:
1. James Shields, RHP
2. Lucas Giolito, RHP
3. Miguel Gonzalez, RHP
4. Reynaldo Lopez, RHP
5. Carson Fulmer, RHP
Closer: Joakim Soria, RHP
• White Sox depth chart >

YANKEES
Lineup:
1. Brett Gardner, LF
2. Aaron Judge, RF
3. Greg Bird, 1B
4. Giancarlo Stanton, DH
5. Gary Sanchez, C
6. Didi Gregorius, SS
7. Aaron Hicks, CF
8. Brandon Drury, 3B
9. Tyler Wade, 2B

Rotation and closer:
1. Masahiro Tanaka, RHP
2. Luis Severino, RHP
3. Sonny Gray, RHP
4. CC Sabathia, LHP
5. Jordan Montgomery, LHP
Closer: Aroldis Chapman, LHP
• Yankees depth chart >

It's the first day of March, meaning regular-season baseball is only four weeks away.

As big leaguers continue to prepare for Opening Day, a number of star players will make their spring debuts today. Here are five things to watch for Thursday in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.

1. Darvish debuts with Cubs
Yu Darvish will make his first appearance with the Cubs when he starts against the visiting Rockies at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. The Cubs signed Darvish to a six-year, $126 million contract in February.

The Cubs are eager to see what Darvish will bring to the rotation after he impressed onlookers during live batting practice last week.

"He's insane," catcher Willson Contreras said, referring to Darvish's pitches. "The movement he has on the baseball, on the breaking balls, and the fastball command he had is crazy."

First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET, and the game can be listened to via exclusive audio webcast on Cubs.com.

Video: Maddon discusses Darvish's bullpen session

2. Red Sox face Astros with revenge in mind
Red Sox manager Alex Cora leads his new club into a rematch with the defending World Series-champion Astros, as the two teams meet for the first time since the 2017 American League Division Series, when Cora was Houston's bench coach.

Rick Porcello starts for the Red Sox, and the Astros counter with Charlie Morton. The starting pitching matchup is the same as it was in Game 4 of the ALDS, when the Astros eliminated the Red Sox in Boston.

The Red Sox are expected to have an impressive travel roster. The talented starting outfield of Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts is expected to make the trip. Slugger Hanley Ramirez, third baseman Rafael Devers and catcher Christian Vazquez are also expected to be in the lineup.

"I think most of those guys, being in front of those guys, it will be good for them," Cora said. "Just a reminder, 'Remember what they did to you guys.' For me, it's a good time to turn the page, obviously. ... We still have a ways to go, but for some reason on March 1 is when everything starts flowing and it just happens to be [against] the Astros, so that's a good message for that group."

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET, and the game will live on MLB.TV.

Video: Alex Cora eager to manage Red Sox in 2018

3. Bartolo starts for Rangers
Bartolo Colon will make his first start for the Rangers in a split-squad game against the Padres. A veteran of 20 big league seasons, Colon is in camp with the Rangers as a non-roster invitee. Colon, 44, has started regular-season games for 10 different franchises.

Meanwhile, the Padres will send 25-year-old prospect Clayton Blackburn to the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET; listen to it via the Rangers' exclusive audio webcast.

Video: Bartolo Colon signs Minor League deal with Rangers

4. First spring action for Sabathia
CC Sabathia will make his Grapefruit League debut, as the Yankees visit the Phillies for a 1:05 p.m. ET contest in Clearwater, Fla., live on MLB.TV and MLB Network. Sabathia is entering his 18th season in the Majors and his 10th with the Yankees.

Nick Pivetta starts for the Phils. New York's travel squad is expected to feature Brandon Drury, Jacoby Ellsbury, Estevan Florial, Aaron Hicks and Gleyber Torres, their top prospect.

Video: Outlook: CC could deliver solid year in rotation

5. Waino gets the ball
Adam Wainwright takes the mound for his first action of the spring as the Cardinals return to Roger Dean Stadium to host the Twins. Left-hander Tyler Lyons will also make his Grapefruit League debut in relief for the Cards.

The Twins will start lefty Adalberto Mejia. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET and will be available on MLB.TV.

Video: Matheny speaks of Wainwright's history of success

Yairo Munoz wasn't even supposed to be in the lineup for Wednesday's 10-9 comeback win against the Orioles.

By the seventh inning, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny was happy he was.

Starting in right field for late scratch Rangel Ravelo, Munoz hit two home runs in St. Louis' eight-run seventh inning. The first was a solo homer against Andrew Faulker that began an improbable rally, the second a two-run shot against Steven Klimek that tied the game. The Cardinals' No. 12 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, Munoz finished the day 3-for-5 with four RBIs.

• Spring Training: Info | Tickets | Gear

"Brilliant," Matheny said afterwards, grinning.

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

Had this been the regular season, Munoz would have joined some elite company. Only 60 times in Major League history has a played gone deep twice in the same inning, dating all the way back to Boston Red Stockings outfielder Charley Jones, who became the first player to do so in 1880.

Fernando Tatis is the only player in Cardinals history to accomplish the feat, and he's the only player in big league history to ever hit two grand slams in the same inning. The last player to hit two home runs in an inning for any team was Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo on April 15, 2017, against the Rangers. The last National League player to do it was Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval on Sept. 18, 2011.

The Cardinals are getting their first glimpse this spring of Munoz, who they acquired along with Max Schrock in the deal that sent Stephen Piscotty to the A's during the offseason. He hit .300/.330/.464 with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs in 112 games last season between Double-A and Triple-A.

Video: STL@BAL: Munoz hits RBI single to left in 4th

The 23-year-old is predominately a shortstop, but he has played six different positions over his six-year Minor League career. It's that kind of versatility that the Cardinals covet, and that got Munoz in the lineup Wednesday.

"That's very uncommon," Matheny said. "There are a lot of new faces. The more versatile a player can be the more options we have on how we can dispatch him."

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Around noon ET on Wednesday, the legendary David Ortiz reported to Red Sox camp in his typically inimitable fashion.

With his cap on backwards, and wearing stylish shades, a black T-shirt, light blue jeans and all kinds of bling, the retired slugger sauntered into Fenway South for the first time as a retired player.

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It will be a short visit for Big Papi, who will be in uniform for his role as a special assistant through Sunday. He plans on guiding players with whatever advice or information they seek and giving the regular coaches whatever support they need.

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

"I'm going to be here for a few days just to see how things work," Ortiz said. "I'm out of the clubhouse as a player, but I've got a lot of my homies right here and we stay in touch, and we need to watch them doing their thing and they always have questions. I try to have an answer."

Ortiz, who is looking perhaps trimmer than when he retired as a player, put on his old No. 34 and took in a few innings from the dugout as the Red Sox edged the Pirates, 4-3.

"I was just out there talking to guys and I felt kind of weird just being in the dugout, basically, but yeah, just said hi to everybody today," Ortiz said.

One of the people Ortiz exchanged pleasantries with was slugger J.D. Martinez, who officially signed with the Red Sox on Monday. Essentially, Martinez was brought in to replace the production lost when Ortiz retired.

The pickup of Martinez is one that has Ortiz beaming.

"We needed some thunder," Ortiz said. "You guys know how I feel about putting thunder in the middle of the lineup. If you want to compete in this division, you have to do that. You guys saw how the Yankees loaded up. These guys ain't playing games, man. We need to try to keep up with that offense and I know we're going to be capable of it."

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And there are parallels between Martinez and Ortiz. The Twins released Ortiz after the 2002 season and he transformed into a star with the Red Sox. The Astros released Martinez during Spring Training of 2014 and he became an All-Star with the Tigers before mashing with the D-backs down the stretch last season.

"His career has basically been like mine," Ortiz said. "You go from underdog to superstar and you don't forget where you come from, and I believe in those types of players. And I know those players come in and don't take things for granted and give their best. So I like having J.D. here."

New manager Alex Cora thinks that Martinez is one of the players who can benefit most from Ortiz being around this weekend. Martinez is in the process of transitioning to a primary DH, which is what Ortiz had to do in Boston in 2003.

"It'll be good for him to connect with J.D. I think that'll help," Cora said. "Talk a little about the DH role, the way he goes about his business. Also, I talked to David two or three weeks ago, right before camp. I went down there to Miami for the alumni weekend, connected with him, talked to him, and I told him whenever you want to talk to them, don't feel like you're stepping on anybody's toes. You're a big part of what we want to accomplish.

"We know how big he is in the history of this franchise. 'So whenever you want to come, come.' I respect the whole thing that he has a family and moved to Miami, and has other things going with the kids and all that stuff, but it's only a two-hour drive so I told him, 'You can come whenever you feel like.'"

Though Ortiz won't be around nearly as much as he once was, he doesn't plan on being a stranger either.

"I think I'm going to see the team up in Boston after this," Ortiz said. "I have a crazy schedule for the rest of the month, but I'll see the team during the season at home and on the road at different times. I don't like to be in anybody's way, but the guys always have questions. I'm always done with whatever questions they have. I'll be there for them."