There was really no need for a formal announcement, so Astros manager A.J. Hinch mentioned in passing on Saturday morning something that was pretty much a given: Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel will start for the club on Opening Day.

Nearly every conversation that is shared with a member of the baseball world after the New Year seems to include the question, “When are you heading down to Spring Training?”

Commissioner Rob Manfred opened the first-ever Grapefruit League Media Day on Friday afternoon in Fort Myers, Fla., with MLB.com on the scene.

This year will be David Ross’ 15th big league season, and it will be his last. John Lackey, reunited with Ross on the Cubs, sent a text after he signed, telling the catcher he wanted to finish strong.

Which teams have the best chance to deliver magic in 2016 with an improbable ride? This list is tricky, because at least 20 teams figure to be playing meaningful games in September.

Rangers reliever Tanner Scheppers has been diagnosed with torn articular cartilage in his left knee and is returning to Texas to have surgery. The initial diagnosis is he will be out until after the All-Star break.

Preparing for Spring Training brought a different kind of work for Matt Moore this season.

Spring training camps are opening in Florida and Arizona. LaTroy Hawkins is at home in Prosper, Texas.

Before Bryce Harper added his name to the Major League registry in 2012, there had been only 35 players who ever played in at least 450 games through the conclusion of their respective age-22 seasons. As ranked by OPS+, the top four on that list of 35 don’t need much of an introduction. They are Ty Cobb (163 OPS+), Jimmie Foxx (159), Mickey Mantle (148), and Mel Ott (147).

Which team has the best set of outfield throwing arms? We put Statcast to the test by setting a definition for competitive throws and running all of baseball through the formula. Turns out, the Astros don’t just have good arms — they have great ones.

Athletes: They really are just like us!

The man knows what he likes.

Monty Williams, an assistant coach for the Thunder, gave a moving eulogy on Thursday for his wife, Ingrid, who was killed in a car accident.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday at Grapefruit League Media Day fielded questions on topics ranging from the designated hitter to the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.

As Spring Training gets underway, MLB.com asked several Major Leaguers about the must-have comfort items with which they travel to Arizona and Florida.

We don’t want to be ruled by our hearts on draft day. But no matter how hard we try, we cannot fully separate our allegiances to our favorite teams from our fantasy interests. This team-by-team guide can help you shrewdly select an impact player with good fantasy value AND stay true to your hometown club.

Astros shortstop Carlos Correa spent nearly all of Friday on the field at Osceola County Stadium doing a photo shoot for a commercial for Adidas — the sports apparel company with which he recently signed a mega-endorsement deal.