Pitt signs coach Jeff Capel to 2-year extension

PITTSBURGH (AP) >> Pittsburgh basketball coach Jeff Capel has agreed to a two-year contract extension that would keep him with the Panthers through the 202627 season.

The deal, announced Wednesday, gives Capel more time to continue the rebuilding project he took on when Pitt hired him in April 2018. Capel guided the Panthers to a 14-19 mark in his first season, a six-win improvement from former coach Kevin Stallings’ nightmarish final year with the Panthers in which Pitt went winless in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Capel said in a statement he is excited about the direction of the program. Pitt is 10-4 heading into Wednesday night’s game at North Carolina, including a 1-2 mark in the ACC. Local interest in the Panthers has ticked up considerably during Capel’s brief tenure.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (AP) >> Catcher Jason Castro has finalized a $6.85 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels announced the agreement Tuesday after the sides reached a deal last week. Left-hander Adalberto Mejía was designated for assignment to make room.

The 32-year-old Castro is a respected defensive catcher who committed just one error last season and bolstered his reputation for working well with young pitchers. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and he posted a career-best .767 on-base percentage last season while contributing 13 homers and 30 RBIs.

Castro would get a one-time $250,000 assignment bonus if traded, payable by the receiving team.