This was a different kind of pitch tipping when Minnesota Twins right-hander Kenta Maeda made only his second spring start in his return from Tommy John surgery two seasons ago.Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said the PitchCom device catcher Tony Wolters was using was loud enough for Tampa Bay Rays hitters to hear every pitch that was called. Plate umpire Brennan…

The most expensive free agent in Tampa Bay history made a good first impression with the Rays.Zach Eflin struck out three of four Minnesota Twins on Thursday in his first spring training start, a game played at Tropicana Field. The right-hander signed a $40 million, three-year contract during the offseason, the most money the Rays have given to a free…

Jose Leclerc, the likely closer for the Texas Rangers this season, will not participate in the World Baseball Classic because of neck discomfort, manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Thursday.Leclerc was slated to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the WBC."He just has that little thing going on with the neck," Bochy told reporters. "We don't think it would be wise…

Miguel Rojas plans to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic in order to focus on his new role as the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting shortstop.Rojas told reporters Thursday that his withdrawal from Team Venezuela was a mutual decision between himself and the Dodgers, who have named the 10-year veteran their primary replacement for the injured Gavin Lux."It's definitely heartbreaking that…