3/30 Morning Marquee: MLB regular season set to kick off Sunday night

April 9, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; General view of bases with opening day logo before being placed on the infield before the Los Angeles Angels play against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Although a pair of games were already played in Australia, most baseball fans consider tonight to be the official start of the MLB campaign, as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres out west.

Some of the biggest news in the league involves the Dodgers, who placed ace Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day disabled list this weekend due to back pain. Kershaw signed a massive contract extension during the offseason, and is expected to carry the bulk of the rotation’s load in 2014.

In other news, the Cleveland Indians and catcher Yan Gomes reportedly agreed to a contract extension, as he will serve as the club’s primary backstop now that Carlos Santana has shifted positions. San Francisco Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum is confident he will make his start, as scheduled, after taking a liner off his leg last week.

The Cubs have set the roster, as well, as the team readies for Monday’s Opening Day against the Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Here’s some news from around the world of Major League Baseball.

“Indians sign Yan Gomes to six-year, $23 million extension” – MLB.com

“Cubs conclude preseason with 9-8 win over Arizona” – Cubbies Crib

“Mariners place three on the disabled list” – MLB.com

“Doug Fister sent to DL” – ESPN.com

“Plumbing issues plague Oakland clubhouse again” – ESPN.com