Source: Brantley is returning to Astros

Outfielder Michael Brantley has agreed to a $32 million, two-year contract with the Astros, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

Brantley spent the last two seasons in Houston after playing for the Indians for his first 10 MLB seasons.

Brantley hit .300 with five homers and 22 RBI in 46 games in last year’s pandemic-shortened season.

He had three home runs and 11 RBIs in 13 playoff games last year as the Astros came a win shy of reaching the World Series for the second straight season.

HAPP TO TWINS » The Twins and veteran starting pitcher J.A. Happ agreed to an $8 million, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

NFL

RIVERS RETIRES » Longtime quarterback Philip Rivers has decided to retire after playing one year in Indianapolis. Rivers’ decision comes less than two weeks after the Colts’ lost 27-24 at Buffalo in a wild-card game.

MAHOMES PRACTICES » Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remained in the NFL’s concussion protocol, but practiced in a limited capacity, raising hopes that the reigning Super Bowl MVP can play in Sunday’s AFC title game against Buffalo.

LIONS COACH GETS SIXYEAR DEAL » The Detroit Lions landed the coach they coveted from the start of their search by hiring Dan Campbell. The Lions tweeted a photo of the former New Orleans Saints tight ends coach signing his deal Jan. 20, one day after the team formally introducing Brad Holmes as their general manager.

WNBA

DREAM CLOSE TO DEAL » The Atlanta Dream are close to being sold, ending defeated U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s contentious stint as a WNBA owner. “As it relates to the Atlanta Dream, we understand a sale of the franchise is close to being finalized,” the league said in a statement. “Once the sale negotiation is concluded, additional information will be provided.”

NHL

OVECHKIN ON COVID LIST, CAPS FINED » Alex Ovechkin and three other Capitals players were added to the NHL’s COVID-19 list and the team was fined $100,000 by the league for violating coronavirus protocols, including a gathering in a hotel room.

Golf

THOMAS ON TRAINING PROGRAM AFTER SLUR » Justin Thomas intends to go through an individual training program to “become a better person” after he was picked up uttering a homophobic slur under his breath when he missed a putt at a tournament in Hawaii this month.