MLB Briefs DARVISH SOLID IN CUBS DEBUT

ARIZ.» If Yu Darvish MESA, was tipping his pitches in the World Series last year, he seems to have fixed it.

Darvish threw two hitless innings in his spring training debut for the Chicago Cubs, facing his former teammates on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

When last on the mound, Darvish was chased by Houston after getting just five outs in both Games 3 and 7 of the World Series. Darvish said he was moved to lose 15 pounds “because of what happened in the World Series.”

DeJong gets paid.

Less than a year after making his bigleague debut, Paul DeJong was rewarded with a longterm deal.

The shortstop and the Cardinals agreed to a $26 million, six-year contract that includes team options for 2024 and 2025, which if exercised would be worth $51.5 million over eight seasons.

DeJong made his major league debut last May 28 and hit .285 with a teamhigh 25 homers and 65 RBIs in 108 games.

Liriano starts strong.

Tigers left-hander Francisco Liriano threw two scoreless innings against the Yankees in his first start with his new team.

Liriano allowed one hit, walked two and struck out three in the Tigers’ 7-2 loss.

Lincecum swaps number.

After wearing No. 55 for his entire major-league career, Tim Lincecum will switch to No. 44 with the Rangers in honor of his late older brother.

Footnotes.

The Royals signed free-agent outfielder Jon Jay to a one-year deal for the 2018 season. Jay’s deal is worth $3 million and he can earn an additional $1.5 million if he meets performance incentives. … Designated hitter Brandon Moss was released by the Athletics. Moss was acquired from Kansas City on Jan. 29 and was 4-for-10 with two walks in four spring training games. … The Diamondbacks will bring back a piece of baseball lore — the bullpen cart. The OnTrac Bullpen Cart will be available to transport relief pitchers from both bullpens at Chase Field to the mound.