All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis has maintained that he is open to exploring a long-term contract with the Indians. That remains the case, and Kipnis is hoping to revisit such talks with Cleveland later this spring.

Justin Verlander, who had core muscle surgery in January, threw on Tuesday to confirm that he had gotten through his mound session on Monday without issue. The right-hander hopes to be ready by the start of the season.

D-backs outfielder Cody Ross, who is returning from August surgery that followed a fracture and dislocation of his right hip, was cleared to take part in all activities at Spring Training.

The Dodgers reached a contract agreement with Kenley Jansen, their last arbitration-eligible player, for $4.3 million on Tuesday.

Freddie Freeman escaped another winter storm in Atlanta and arrived at the Braves’ Spring Training complex camp early, hitting in the batting cages with teammate Evan Gattis and others.

New Tigers manager Brad Ausmus’ first on-the-job interview with reporters from his Spring Training office took place with him in front of his desk rather than sitting at it. But by all indications, it did not take place with jitters

New Orleans is ready for the Urban Invitational. The three-day tournament designed to showcase the baseball programs at historically black colleges and universities will make its debut in New Orleans this weekend, and coaches at the local baseball programs are thrilled to play the host.

The Braves will wear a commemorative “715” patch this season to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Major League Baseball’s home run record.

For the past two years, the Angels have enjoyed paying a bargain-basement price for Mike Trout, the game’s greatest all-around talent. Now, on the heels of another stellar season with arbitration just a year away, they can either bid boldly or let Trout’s arb years take on their natural, potentially problematic course.

To get an idea of what makes third base such a premium position in the game — and in fantasy leagues — you need to look no further than the top of the list. That’s where two-time defending American League MVP Award winner Miguel Cabrera resides, setting the standard for third base play across the sport.

Signing a $6.5 million contract for 2014 gave Giancarlo Stanton some financial and personal security. But before the 24-year-old slugger considers a multi-year deal with the Marlins, he wants to see a more defined organizational continuity.

The Indians are not only on the verge of avoiding arbitration with outfielder Michael Brantley, but they are nearing a contact that could keep him in Cleveland beyond his first year of free-agent eligibility. MLB.com has confirmed that the Indians are closing in on a long-term contract with Brantley, who entered his first year of arbitration this offseason.

The Houston Astros have issued the following statement regarding Jarred Cosart. “We do not condone the language used on Twitter today by Jarred. It is unacceptable from anyone in our organization. We’ve spoken to Jarred about this matter, and he is extremely remorseful. He realizes his mistake and has apologized.”

Beginning March 30, Padres games will reach a much greater audience. On Monday, FOX Sports San Diego and Time Warner Cable formally announced an agreement to carry the regional sports network.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore anticipates the start of Spring Training later this week and getting his first look at a group that has raised the expectations in Kansas City.

Maybe you can find somebody in Major League Baseball who is as respected, or as beloved by those around him, as Terry Ryan. But you’re not going to find anyone who is more respected or beloved. Ryan, 60, announced Monday that he has cancer, with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in a lymph node in his neck. He said the cancer is treatable and he’s currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan is being treated for a cancerous growth in his neck, he announced in a statement on Monday.