The Pittsburgh Pirates have shortened their roster once again this spring.

Spring training exhibitions begin Friday, Feb. 20, with one Grapefruit League game, four Cactus League contests and a pair of exhibitions pitting major league teams against their local collegiate squads. In the spring's first official game, the Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees in Sarasota, Florida at 1:05 p.m. ET.

It’s time for the Braves to once again play the Rays in Spring Training. Why? Because the schedule does not care. Chris Sale will get yet another tune-up against Rays fill-ins and minor leaguers, while Nick Martinez has to deal with basically the Braves’ regulars.

Detroit Tigers score: Spencer Torkelson, Matt Vierling and Riley Greene hit home runs in the first three innings, sparking a 12-1 win vs the Yankees.

Chris Sale pounded the strike zone and completed six innings as the host Atlanta Braves routed the Tampa Bay Rays, 11-2, on Monday in North Port, Fla. The rangy southpaw, who just signed a contract extension through 2027,

"We got (two) more starts left to get this turned around. That's kind of where we're at ... I'm confident Jame-o will," Craig Counsell said.

Extreme heat is forcing multiple MLB Cactus League spring training games to be rescheduled to protect players and fans.

The opportunities to give young prospects that won’t make the opening-day roster chances at swings in spring games is dwindling.