During the 1990s and most of the 2000s, baseball considered Ivan Rodriguez to be the best defensive catcher in the Major Leagues. Although he has played for many teams, people will remember him as a Texas Ranger.

After struggling in the season's first month the past two seasons, the White Sox are off to a solid start in 2012. But can they continue to be contenders in the AL Central?

Third baseman Brandon Inge, who cleared waivers Sunday after being released by the Tigers on Thursday, signed with the A's on Monday.

Shortly after the New Orleans Zephyrs dropped a series finale to the Albuquerque Isotopes on Sunday, Dan Jennings learned that he was headed to Miami to join the Marlins in the big leagues.

Bryan Petersen was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans following the Marlins' 8-4 loss on Sunday afternoon. Petersen was pulled out of the Zephyrs' game and told to get ready to go to Miami about an hour later.

After Monday's series finale, the D-backs head to Washington, where they will open a three-game series the Nationals on Tuesday.

D-backs left fielder Jason Kubel was scratched from the starting lineup Monday with what the team said was an illness.

D-backs closer J.J. Putz has not appeared in a game for over a week, but that doesn't mean the right-hander hasn't thrown.

The Rays signed outfielder/designated hitter Hideki Matsui to a Minor League contract on Monday. The left-handed hitter will report to extended Spring Training in Charlotte County, Fla., on Wednesday.

The Indians will have some help blowing into the Windy City this week. Veteran outfielder Johnny Damon will join the club for its upcoming road series against the White Sox.

Rockies pitcher Jeremy Guthrie figured his popular Twitter account was a way to get to know at least someone in his new home. Little did he know the answer to the invitation to play catch would be a call to a new type of friendship.

Baseball enters the second month of the season this week with top prospects Bryce Harper and Mike Trout looking to settle into their new homes, the Dodgers seeking to continue dominating, the Red Sox trying to keep rolling and the Phillies hoping for the return of an ace.

In the span of 30 days, Reggie Deal, who is blind, is going to visit each of the Major Leagues' 30 ballparks.

The Cincinnati Reds have made Joey Votto the wealthiest athlete in Canada, but the superstar first baseman has some ground to cover if he plans to reach the level of his homeland's all-time greats.

MLB Notebook: Nolan Ryan leads all liveball era pitchers in games with 10 or more strikeouts and no more than one hit surrendered, with 19. Matt Garza compiled his third such start Sunday by allowing one hit in seven shutout innings and fanning 10 in the Cubs' 5-1 win over the Phillies.

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton left Sunday's game after two innings because of stiffness in his mid-back, but said in a postgame interview that he expects to play on Monday night in Toronto.