The pleasantries of Spring Training are all well and good for new Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel. But the real fun will start for this ultra-competitive righty once the bullpen gate at Fenway Park opens for the first time and he converts a save with close to 40,000 fans roaring with every strike.

The Royals continue to stockpile starting-pitching depth, signing former Braves left-hander Mike Minor on Friday to a two-year deal worth $7.25 million.

Agent Bart Hernandez has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Florida on two counts related to the smuggling of Seattle outfielder Leonys Martin into the United States, according to documents obtained by MLB.com.

Colby Lewis said the first day on his road bicycle was tough. But when you spend $10,000 to get started, you don’t quit after just one ride.

Bold fashion statement or boldest fashion statement?

The Indians searched for a possible upgrade for third base throughout the offseason and had been linked to free agent Juan Uribe for much of the past two months. Cleveland has now reeled in its target, adding another veteran to the fold on a short-term deal.

Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber did not hit on Field 1 on Friday, so cars parked behind the right-field fence on Clark Street were safe.

Tony Phillips, who played nine seasons with the Oakland A’s and five with the Detroit Tigers as part of an 18-year career, died Wednesday in Arizona. He was 56 years old.

Cubs pitchers and catchers officially report on Friday, but Jon Lester had a message for his teammates who were not already in camp.

Toronto’s most pressing issue when camp officially gets under way on Sunday in Dunedin, Fla., is the future of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Both players figure prominently into the club’s 2016 season, but with free agency looming at the end of the year, questions continue to linger.

The Rangers have extended manager Jeff Banister’s contract, picking up their option for 2018 and adding a team option for 2019.

Disappointed in his 2015 results, catcher Rene Rivera set out to make changes over the offseason to improve upon his offense.

For the first time in his career, Tyson Ross will be the Padres’ starting pitcher on Opening Day against the Dodgers on April 4 at Petco Park.

Infielder Jim Davenport, a member of the inaugural 1958 San Francisco Giants team who remained devoted to the franchise for most of his 60 years in professional baseball, died Thursday night in Redwood City, Calif., due to heart failure. He was 82.

“I don’t remember who won.”

In a break while volunteering at the Cole Hamels Foundation’s kids pitching clinic, No. 1 2016 Draft prospect Jason Groome shared his thoughts on his exciting present and promising future, as told to MLB.com’s Bryan Horowitz.

Spring Training is almost here, as Twins pitchers and catchers report to the club’s Spring Training complex on Sunday with the first full workouts set for Monday.