Rizzo, Cubs not close; free agency seems sure

Anthony Rizzo plans to cut off talks with the Cubs and will play out the last year of his contract.

The first baseman agreed in 2013 to a $41 million, sevenyear contract with two team option years. He has a $16.5 million salary this season, and set a deadline of Opening Day for a new agreement.

“Obviously, there’s been talks and whatnot, but it doesn’t look like really at this time anything is going to be finalized and look forward to just opening up Thursday and starting this journey with this team,” Rizzo said Monday.

Looser restrictions: Card games, car pools and eating at restaurants may be back in the major leagues later this season. Trips to church and sponsor events may return, too, under plans set forth by the league.

Masks no longer would be used in dugouts and bullpens, and electronic tracing devices would be eliminated when 85% of players and field staff are vaccinated. Communal clubhouse video would return before and after games. Pool tables would be restored, along with team saunas.

Odor out: Rougned Odor, the Rangers’ second baseman for seven seasons, was told he won’t be on the Opening Day roster after switching to third base this spring training. At 27, he has two more seasons and $24.6 million left on a sixyear contract.

Briefly: The Angels added two relievers, agreeing to $1 million, oneyear contracts with former Giants lefthander Tony Watson and sidearming righthander Steve Cishek . ... Chad Kuhl was announced as the Pirates’ Opening Day starter . ... The Astros will receive COVID vaccinations when they return to Houston on Monday . ... The Cardinals will open the season with pitchers Kwang Hyun Kim, Dakota Hudson and Miles Mikolas on the injured list, along with outfielder Harrison Bader.