Aaron Nola is the odds-on favorite to start for Philadelphia on Opening Day on April 4 in Cincinnati, but don’t mistake his confidence for cockiness. He’s not brash or boastful. Nola is humble, and the proof lies in the priority he puts in getting along with his teammates.

Meet Triangel Pagan and Anthony Reckertangle.

Perhaps the most intriguing story in the Rays camp this spring is Taylor Motter. Motter plays every position in the field, but he’s hardly a gimmick, because he plays all of them well. And he loves baseball more than breathing.

After undergoing double hernia surgery in October to deal with a stomach issue that affected him more than he wanted to let on last season, Robinson Cano took to the field for the first day of full-squad workouts with the Mariners on Thursday and said he’s eager for the fresh start.

For the second time this week, Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has been granted an excused absence from the team’s Spring Training camp to handle a personal matter.

Jose Bautista’s reported contract demands have generated a lot of discussion about whether or not he can justify another big payday. Based on statistically comparable players, there is some reason for optimism.

Practice makes perfect.

He’s got a whole garage full of them.

Every Spring Training site has value as a refuge from the trifles, the travails and, for many of us, the temperatures of so-called “real life.”

This is when things get hard.

In honor of #TBT and the Steve Carlton for Rick Wise swap, here are a handful of other memorable challenge trades.

Spring Training is all about repetition — in word as much as deed. In a largely unpredictable sport, you can predict with great accuracy the utterances and instances that will make up the exhibition season experience in the Grapefruit League and Cactus League.

Yes, they have the bullpen and the hitting and the defense, but what sets the Royals apart is their staying power, plan and tenacity.

Mike Trout isn’t ready to give up on being a legitimate stolen-base threat. He’s too young, too fast, and for this offense, it would mean too much.

The Nationals have had informal discussions of a possible contract extension with Bryce Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, general manager Mike Rizzo confirmed to MLB.com on Wednesday.

Last spring, Jung Ho Kang was a mystery. By September, he was a fan favorite and middle-of-the-lineup force. Now, he’s playing a different role: mentor.

With many hurlers in the midst of an extended run of dominance, several coming off a breakout season and a couple having returned from Tommy John surgery in 2015, this year’s starting pitcher rankings are flush with aces.