CHICAGO – Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said renovating Wrigley Field would be “real win” for Chicago.

Ricketts wouldn’t say just how close the team and the city are to an agreement, but says he expects one at some point.

He said a facelift on the historic ballpark would result in more jobs while boosting tourism and development.

Ricketts spoke before Thursday’s 2-1 loss in the season opener against the Washington Nationals.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel triggered speculation by confirming this week that city officials and the Ricketts family are in the “final stages” of talks on a renovation plan for the 98-year-old ballpark.

Also on Thursday, The Cubs optioned outfielder Tony Campana to Triple-A Iowa and selected the contract of infielder Blake DeWitt and said left-hander John Gaub was claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay.

Around the leagues

The big league average salary rose 4.1 percent to $3.44 million, the steepest hike since 2008, according to a study by The Associated Press. … The percentage of Major League Baseball players born outside the United States rose to 28.4, the third-highest level in history. …

Right-hander Brad Brach, who spent the 2009 season with the TinCaps, was recalled by San Diego from Triple-A Tucson (Ariz.) to replace right-hander Tim Stauffer, who was put on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Wednesday, with a strained pitching elbow. …

Mets center fielder Andres Torres is headed to the disabled list after reinjuring his left calf against Atlanta. … Tampa Bay placed closer Kyle Farnsworth on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained right elbow. The move was announced the day before Tampa Bay’s opener against the Yankees. … General manager Mike Rizzo said Washington has no intention of trading pitcher John Lannan, who is frustrated over being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

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