The Padres tidied up their 40-man roster on Thursday in advance of the Rule 5 Draft next month, pulling off a trade, adding three to the roster while shedding two other players. The Padres traded outfielder Reymond Fuentes to the Royals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Kyle Bartsch. San Diego added outfielder Alex Dickerson, right-handed pitcher Tayron Guerrero and infielder Taylor Lindsey to the 40-man roster. The team also designated two players for assignment — right-handed pitcher Blaine Boyer and outfielder Yeison Asencio.

Along with more than 750 of the nation’s top executives, Yankees GM Brian Cashman participated in the Covenant House’s “Sleep Out” movement, aiming to raise awareness for homeless youth. It marked Cashman’s fourth consecutive year supporting the event.

Free-agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval continued to be a source of considerable Hot Stove speculation on Thursday, with the Blue Jays reportedly in the mix of suitors. Here’s a recap of the major Hot Stove stories of the day.

Some folks in baseball still consider the Phillies to be the favorites to sign Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas. But are they?

The Tigers’ search for bullpen help led them to the waiver wire on the day Major League teams have to set their 40-man rosters. Josh Zeid isn’t the big-name signing that many expect the Tigers to make, but he’s the kind of waiver claim they often seek out at this time of year.

The Tigers picked up the club option on Alex Avila’s contract earlier this week, but they remain in the news surrounding catching. While Major League sources confirmed a report from FOXSports.com that Detroit had talks with the Astros about their catching surplus, the source said talks ended with the Tigers moving on.

A busy day of roster shuffling for the Pirates on Thursday ended with veteran first baseman Ike Davis being designated for assignment, one of the moves needed to clear enough roster space for five Minor Leaguers added to protect them from next month’s Rule 5 Draft.

The Cubs added pitcher C.J. Edwards to the 40-man roster Thursday, protecting the right-hander from being picked in the Rule 5 Draft.

Looking to add outfield help, the Orioles claimed Alex Hassan off waivers on Thursday from the Oakland A’s, continuing a whirlwind week for the 26-year-old, who was claimed by Oakland from the Red Sox several days ago.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos did his best on Thursday afternoon to pour cold water on the rumors that Toronto could be on the verge of landing another big-name free agent.

Toronto introduced the biggest signing of general manager Alex Anthopoulos’ tenure on Thursday as catcher Russell Martin donned a Blue Jays jersey for the first time.

Instant replay, pace of play and formulation of a domestic-abuse policy were all part of the quarterly Owners Meetings that wrapped up Thursday at the Intercontinental Hotel.

The Rangers have brought back catcher Chris Gimenez on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. The club also added pitcher David Martinez on a Minor League deal with a Spring Training invite.

Giancarlo Stanton made Wednesday one of the best days in the wild history of the Marlins. But the first day in the rest of the franchise’s life didn’t look too bad either.

Somehow, it seems appropriate that Bud Selig’s next-to-last Owners Meeting as Commissioner was in Kansas City. The Royals — the American League champions — represent arguably his greatest achievement in more than 22 years as Commissioner.

Zack Wheeler admitted on Thursday that he couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to still be a member of the Giants as he watched them win their second World Series title in three seasons last month.

Rob Manfred, who will become Major League Baseball’s 10th Commissioner in January, formally was given a five-year contract Thursday on the final day of the quarterly Owners Meetings in Kansas City.