GLENDALE, Ariz. — With a spot on the Opening Day roster at stake, Rule 5 pick Shane Smith knows every spring appearance is precious. And Smith, whom the Sox selected from the Brewers for $100,000 in December, continues to strengthen his case.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Right-hander Drew Thorpe has operated behind the scenes as he works his way back to the starting rotation following elbow surgery. It shouldn’t be much longer before he is seen, however. Thorpe is scheduled for his first live batting practice Tuesday. The plan is for one more live BP and then an appearance in a game.

Instead, the Chicago White Sox left fielder ... I want to be out there by opening day, but time will tell.” Benintendi admitted it’s too soon to say when he’d be back in the Sox lineup. “James (Kruk), our trainer, knows how I am when it comes ...

With their departure to Japan for the season-opening Tokyo Series only eight days away, the Cubs are entering an important evaluation stretch as they determine who will be part of the initial

Opening Day is still three weeks away, but manager Bob Melvin offered an early glimpse at what the Giants’ starting lineup could look like when they kick off the regular season at Cincinnati on March 27.

Perez allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits in his Cactus League start Wednesday against the Brewers.

Chicago White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth has left their spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of cramping in his calves.

The goal for Andrew Benintendi is to be in the White Sox Opening Day lineup when they host the Angels on March 27 at Rate Field. But with an estimated 4-6 week absence due to a non-displaced fracture just below the knuckle on his right pinkie finger,

Last year, then-Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet ... Crochet figures to start on Opening Day for the Red Sox, pairing with Walker Buehler and Tanner Houck at the top of the rotation.