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Twins reportedly sign Morales for rest of '14

 
Published June 8, 2014

1B/DH Kendrys Morales agreed to a contract with the Twins, multiple media outlets reported Saturday. Fox Sports reported it is for one year and about $12 million.

The Twins declined comment, and Morales was unavailable.

Morales, 30, hit .277 with 23 home runs and 80 RBIs with the Mariners last season. He turned down their qualifying offer of $14.1 million for one season. Because Seattle made the offer, any team signing Morales had to give up a first-round pick.

But now that the draft is over, the Twins don't have to give up the pick.

Coach hit: Dodgers assistant batting coach John Valentin was struck by a ball near his left eye as he worked with players in the batting cage before Saturday's game at Colorado. A preliminary exam showed no damage to the eye, and Valentin was taken to a hospital.

Two Dodgers leave: Los Angeles RF Yasiel Puig and 2B Dee Gordon sustained injuries and are day to day. Puig strained his right hip flexor while sliding into second. Gordon had a sore right hip, but the team didn't say how it happened.

Phillies: RHP Mike Adams went on the DL with inflammation in his right shoulder.

Pirates: RHP Gerrit Cole won't make Monday's start because of shoulder fatigue. The team said he might have to go on the DL.

Reds: 1B Joey Votto, out since May 21 with a strained left knee, is set to begin a rehab stint at Triple A today. His return hasn't been determined.

Tigers: C Alex Avila sat a day after being hit on the backswing of Boston's David Ortiz. He is day to day.

Notable picks: The Padres took Browns QB Johnny Manziel in the 28th round. Listed as a shortstop, he last played baseball as a high school junior. The Yankees took Mariano Rivera III, son of the ex-closer, in the 29th. He went 2-6 with a 5.40 ERA at Iona. The Nationals took 1B Ryan Ripken, son of Cal, in the 15th. He hit .321 with 24 RBIs at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce.

Rose to manage: Pete Rose, banned for life for gambling, will manage the Bridgeport Bluefish of the independent Atlantic League for one day. "I'm doing this because I love baseball," said Rose, who will be in the dugout June 16. "I love young players because they bring you … enthusiasm. These young men are here working their butts off. They don't have egos. They are hungry. They run hard, and they play hard all the time."