Jose Lobaton to report with Rays

There has been plenty of talk for months that the Rays are going to trade Jose Lobaton.

But there has been no action, so — unless something changes — Lobaton plans to report with the Rays' other catchers, and pitchers, to Port Charlotte for the opening of spring training.

"He's going to be there on Friday," agent Rafael Perez said Tuesday night. "He's a Ray, he's going to camp as a Ray, he's going to start spring training as a Ray."

Lobaton, who started 76 games last year, has appeared extraneous since the Rays re-signed Jose Molina and traded for Ryan Hanigan. The Diamondbacks, Indians, Rockies, White Sox, Mets and Nationals are among teams with a need and/or interest.

Perez said he has read the rumors but has heard nothing from the Rays, so Lobaton, 29, will go into this spring as if it were any other.

"That's always his attitude, that he's going to compete for a job," Perez said. "He's ready."

OSWALT RETIRES: Right-hander Roy Oswalt retired from baseball after 13 seasons. Oswalt, 36, was 163-102 with a 3.36 ERA in his career, most of it with the Astros.

CLARK, PUJOLS END BEEF: Radio host and former Cardinals player Jack Clark apologized for and retracted comments he made last year implying that ex-Cardinals star Albert Pujols used steroids.

HONORING AARON: The Braves plan to honor the 40th anniversary of Hank Aaron's record 715th home run in a ceremony before their home opener against the Mets on April 8. Atlanta players will wear a commemorative patch on the right sleeve during the season.

RYAN TO ASTROS: Hall of Fame pitcher and former Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan will join the Astros as adviser to owner Jim Crane, general manager Jeff Luhnow and Ryan's son Reid, president of business operations.

EX-FARMHANDS SUE: In a challenge to the enormous salary difference between major- and minor-league players, former minor-leaguers Aaron Senne, Michael Liberto and Oliver Odle filed a class action suit against Major League Baseball, saying a salary that often is less than $7,500 a season violates state and federal wage laws.

DODGERS: Closer Kenley Jansen agreed to a one-year, $4.3 million contract, avoiding arbitration.

INDIANS: Leftfielder Michael Brantley agreed to a four-year, $25 million deal, the Associated Press reported.

NATIONALS: Right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard, a former Mitchell standout, agreed on a one-year contract for $5,875,000, avoiding arbitration.

TIGERS: Right-hander Justin Verlander, who had surgery Jan. 9 on an injured core muscle, said he felt no pain in his groin and hip a day after throwing about 20 pitches off a mound.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.