Bryan LaHair has waited a long time to be on a Major League team's Opening Day roster, but his status for Thursday's Cubs season opener is questionable because of back problems.

While the Cardinals were scheduled to fly to Milwaukee following a 4-1 win on Wednesday, Skip Schumaker and Allen Craig had a different destination on their itinerary.

The Indians signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera on Wednesday to a two-year contract extension covering the 2013 and '14 seasons.

Since the start of Spring Training, they've been inseparable. So it was fitting they gave their pregame news conference together on Wednesday at Marlins Park. Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez and shortstop Jose Reyes have bonded quickly, on and off the field.

Albert Pujols homered in the first inning and C.J. Wilson pitched four scoreless innings as the Angels beat the Dodgers, 8-3, at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said if he needs a save for Thursday's season opener in Detroit, it'll be Alfredo Aceves.

In the first week of last April, the consensus was that the Phillies and the Red Sox would play in the World Series, and we know how that turned out. We can analyze and digest and be convicted in our look into the future, but all too often the human elements of ligaments, bones and brains turn baseball predictions into meteorology, or even Groundhog Day.

The Rays elected not to place injured closer Kyle Farnsworth on the disabled list Wednesday, but could still do so before they open the season on Friday against the Yankees.

Pirates fans are most fascinated by Pedro Alvarez, who is unquestionably the most polarizing athlete in Pittsburgh.

Andy Pettitte dashed out of the Yankees' dugout to a standing ovation, then pitched a scoreless sixth inning on Wednesday, appearing in his first game since the 2010 American League Championship Series.

Center fielder B.J. Upton, who will open the season on the disabled list because of soreness in his back, hopes to return to the Rays' lineup some time during their April 10-19 road trip.

Rarely before their Opening Day 2012 matchup have the Padres and Dodgers both seen so much change heading into a season.

The Cubs welcome the rising Nationals to Wrigley for an interdivisional opener that features two intriguingly contrasting clubs.

While the Braves intend to bounce back from a disappointing conclusion to the 2011 season, the Mets hope to prove the doubters wrong.

The Mets have bolstered the future of their starting rotation by signing left-handed starter Jon Niese to a five-year, $25 million deal, according to a baseball source.

The Twins made four player moves on their final day in Florida, setting their Opening Day roster for Friday against the Orioles. The contracts of right-hander Jared Burton and infielder Sean Burroughs were purchased from Rochester.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, team president David Samson and local representatives participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the West Plaza of Marlins Park on Wednesday.