Flanked by general manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington, Michael Young made it official on Friday by announcing his retirement from baseball after a 14-year Major League career.

The Mets on Friday signed first baseman Matt Clark to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league Spring Training. Clark, who also has experience as an outfielder, spent five seasons in the Padres organization from 2008-12 before connecting for 25 home runs over 132 games in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons.

Mark Appel, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s First-Year Player Draft, is recovering after an emergency appendectomy on Thursday, and he is expected to report to Spring Training on time.

Bent on fortifying himself physically to withstand the erosion of catching, Buster Posey reported that he added about 10 pounds to his 6-foot-1 frame through his offseason training program.

The Tigers have avoided arbitration hearings for another year, reaching a deal with Alex Avila, their final arbitration-eligible player, on Friday. The catcher agreed to a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2015.

Reliever Joseph Ortiz suffered a fractured left foot when the foot was run over by a motorcycle in his native Venezuela.

Who will be a Royals bobblehead this year? Guess no longer, the word is out.

Michael Young announced his retirement as a Texas Ranger during a news conference on Friday at the Ballpark in Arlington. The 2005 American League batting champion split 2013 between the Phillies and Dodgers after becoming Texas’ all-time hits leader during his 13 seasons with the club.

Relief pitcher Aaron Crow and the Royals agreed on a 2014 contract on Friday, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing.

Chris Johnson has spent the past few years establishing himself as a Major Leaguer, and he made significant strides in 2013 when he took over for Chipper Jones at the Braves’ hot corner. Now, he readies himself for an encore performance in ’14.

The Cubs missed out on signing Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka last week, but their need for starting pitching remained. To that end, Chicago has reportedly agreed to sign veteran right-hander Jason Hammel.

Tickets for the Toronto Blue Jays Honda Opening Night, April 4 at Rogers Centre, sold out on Friday, the first day single-game tickets were made available through all sales channels.

For all the value the Tigers might have gained in signing the proven closer to address their bullpen concerns, Joe Nathan’s value in the clubhouse might be just as important. The veteran voice Detroit lost in Joaquin Benoit, they gained in abundance with Nathan.

One of the Mariners’ future stars is Chris Taylor, a shortstop/second baseman who has speed, plus the ability to field well and provide “small ball”-type offense.

Alexander Guerrero is the anti-Yasiel Puig. He’s 27, soft spoken, respectful of the media. He’s married and a father of two, hopeful his family will soon be able to leave his homeland and, if his game is ready, watch him play second base for the Dodgers.

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis has had a pretty boring offseason by his own admission. Save for the big news that he and his wife, Jill, are expecting their first child — a girl due in late May — Davis’ winter has been about spending time with family in Texas and preparing for the baseball season the same way he always does. He took some time to recap his big 2013 with MLB.com.

Marlins Minor League pitcher Ronny Fermin has been suspended 50 games for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.