Bautista, Braves agree to minor league deal
Six-time All-Star Jose Bautista and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a minor league contract.
Under the deal announced Wednesday, Bautista would receive a $1 million, one-year deal if added to the 40-man major league roster. He will report to the Braves’ extended spring training complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, to work himself into game condition while playing third base.
The 37-year-old Bautista earned $18 million under a one-year deal with Toronto last season and became a free agent. He went unsigned over the winter after batting .203 with 23 homers and 63 RBIs.
Atlanta also placed right-hander Anibal Sanchez on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday after he strained his right hamstring while running in the outfield before Atlanta’s game against the Phillies. LET THERE BE LIGHT >> The lights were on for Cleveland and Minnesota on Wednesday night, while much of the rest of Puerto Rico was without electricity after yet another blow to efforts across the island to recover from damage caused by Hurricane Maria. Aided by generators and with many buildings around the ballpark in the dark, the finale of the two-game series between the Indians and Twins went off as planned at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. A blackout hit the island on Wednesday morning, closing schools and businesses, snarling traffic and seeming to add to the frustration level of those still dealing with issues that the catastrophic storm caused last September. But inside the ballpark, speakers blared, lamps shined and beer flowed. San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz said backup systems were tested and declared ready shortly after the blackout struck. WALKER OUT FOR SEASON >> Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker is headed for season-ending surgery to repair a partial elbow ligament tear. The 25-year-old Walker pitched just two innings in his last start Saturday at Los Angeles before departing due to discomfort in his right arm. He had an MRI on Tuesday, then sought a second opinion and was headed back to Arizona on Wednesday after speaking with a doctor in New York.
GAMEL CALLED UP >> The Mariners are going with five outfielders for now after recalling Ben Gamel from Triple-A Tacoma and optioning left-handed pitcher Ariel Miranda back to the minors.
LIND LANDS IN NEW YORK >> The New York Yankees have signed first baseman/outfielder Adam Lind to a minor league deal. Lind will report to the team’s complex in Tampa, Florida, for extended spring training. Lind also signed a minor league deal with New York on March 2 and was released 12 days later.