The Royals have lost their last five season openers and have not even scored in the last two, so they could use a change of fortune when James Shields starts on March 31 in Detroit.

David Ortiz has taken to mentor Kennys Vargas, the Twins’ 23-year-old first-base/designated-hitter prospect who is listed at 6-feet-5 and 273 pounds.

Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton, yet to play in a Cactus League game this spring, could make his debut within a week. Hamilton strained his left calf during a baserunning drill 10 days ago, and the initial prognosis was he would miss at least two weeks.

New Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano got off to a fast start this spring, but the club’s prize free-agent signee missed his third straight game on Saturday as he continues recovering from root canal surgery.

Michael Choice started in center field for the Rangers on Saturday, while Leonys Martin got the day off. Martin, who had some back issues last week, did his work in the batting cages as he tries to get going at the plate after a 2-for-11 start to the spring.

The Marlins think All-Star pitcher Jose Fernandez has had enough of the Mets for now. The right-hander will throw a simulated game on Monday rather than face New York for the second time this spring.

Prospect Kris Bryant has been compared physically to former Major Leaguer Troy Glaus, and although some scouts predict Bryant will end up moving from third to the outfield, Cubs manager Rick Renteria likes what he’s seen of Bryant at third base.

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke successfully tested his healing right calf on Saturday by throwing a two-inning, 34-pitch batting-practice session at Camelback Ranch.

Don’t let the numbers deceive you: Michael Morse has been one of the most locked-in hitters in Giants camp this spring.

Last spring, the Cardinals came to Spring Training hopeful of watching Matt Carpenter take the reins of the second-base job. This year, the organization will leave with assurances that he is part of its long-term core, signing him to a six-year extension reportedly worth $52 million with an option for 2020.

James Shields will start on Opening Day, Jeremy Guthrie will start the Royals’ home opener and Wade Davis has been assigned to the bullpen, manager Ned Yost announced Saturday.

Byron Buxton, the top prospect in baseball, put one of his five tools on full display in the third inning of the Twins’ Grapefruit League matchup with the Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon.

A day after the Nationals scratched him from a start with right elbow inflammation, right-hander Doug Fister expressed no concern about his health. “It’s typical inflammation, so we’re treating it day by day,” he said in a brief meeting with reporters.

Matt Carpenter led the Majors in runs, doubles and hits last season, and the Cardinals have signed him to a six-year, $52 million contract that will run at least through his 33rd birthday.

Michael Pineda chuckled and flashed a wide grin as his mind replayed those last three pitches of the evening: the sharp, biting sliders that zipped past Miguel Cabrera, the two-time reigning American League Most Valuable Player Award winner.

Left-hander Brett Anderson says he is enjoying Spring Training again, that he is healthy and feeling good for the first time in more than three years. That is just what the Rockies want to hear, writes columnist Tracy Ringolsby.

After falling short in the playoffs last season, speedster Michael Bourn understands what is at stake this year, and how important he is to the Indians’ cause.