Salvador Perez, who underwent surgery on his left knee on March 16, is still getting around on crutches. “I'm better. I feel really good,” Perez said. “The rehab is going going perfect.”

Lefty Sean Marshall will officially open the 2012 season as the Reds' closer, manager Dusty Baker announced after his team's final Spring Training game Monday.

Dan Haren made his final spring start a solid one, holding the Dodgers to one run over 5 2/3 innings and, naturally, issuing no walks.

Albert Pujols played his first game at Angel Stadium on Monday night, carrying with him huge expectations from a title-hungry fan base — but feeling no pressure to deliver.

Don Mattingly and Magic Johnson are on the same side now, but it wasn't always that way, with the Dodgers manager an Indiana native and, therefore, aligned with Larry Bird.

Opening the Marlins' new palace has been like getting married. Rehearse and rehearse, then say the vows. Now these Marlins are more than ready to stand at the altar and shout, “Play ball!”

Whenever Javier Vazquez picks up a baseball these days, it's to play catch with his son. The desire to pitch in the big leagues is gone. At least, it has been since the end of the 2011 season, and the 35-year-old said on Monday that the “itch” hasn't returned.

Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez was suspended for five games after hitting Troy Tulowitzki with a pitch on Sunday.

If conditions are ideal, the Marlins would like to play Opening Night on Wednesday with the roof and operable wall in left field open. Should that be the case, Marlins Park would provide an ideal view of downtown Miami at night.

The Reds have agreed to terms on a 10-year, $225 million contract extension with first baseman Joey Votto, according to a report Monday evening by USA Today.

The Indians have not officially announced that they have reached an agreement with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera on a two-year contract extension, but that step is expected to come within the next few days.

Manager Buck Showalter announced on Monday that Jake Arrieta will be the Orioles' Opening Day starter. Baltimore will begin the season on Friday at home against the Minnesota Twins.

Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey has been told he needs surgery on his right thumb, The Boston Globe reported Monday evening.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi officially set the club's rotation on Monday, finalizing an arrangement that appeared confirmed after right-hander Michael Pineda was sent to the disabled list.

The rebranding of the Marlins has been a trending story in Major League Baseball, and on Wednesday, fans will be given an opportunity to weigh in with their final thoughts before the regular season begins. From 3-5 p.m. ET, a live pregame show, presented by Showtime and “The Franchise,” will be streamed on MLB.com and Marlins.com.

Mariners rookie catcher Jesus Montero was removed from Seattle's Cactus League game in the sixth inning Monday after getting hit in the helmet by a pitch by Colorado's Edgmer Escalona.

Frank Francisco's left knee is “a little bit of a concern,” manager Terry Collins said, after the Mets closer told reporters in Port St. Lucie that he would have an MRI on Monday.