MLB Notes: Astros Sign Cuba Star Yulieski Gurriel

HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros have signed international free agent Yulieski Gurriel to a five-year contract.

Gurriel was one of the most sought international free agents since defecting from Cuba in February after competing in the Caribbean World Series in the Dominican Republic. He is 32 years old and was declared a free agent last month.

Gurriel is primarily a third baseman but also has played second base and shortstop. He was an Olympian in 2004 and 2008,

In 15 seasons in Cuba, he is a.335 hitter with 250 homers and 1,018 RBIs. Last season, he hit .500 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in just 49 games for Industriales.

Rangers: Darvish activated off DL to start Saturday
CHICAGO -- The Texas Rangers have made room on the roster for the return of Yu Darvish by optioning fellow right-hander Jose Leclerc to Triple-A Round Rock.

Darvish was activated from the 15-day disabled list hours before he was to start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.

Darvish returned from Tommy John surgery in late May, only to go back on the disabled list with shoulder pain after three starts.

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The 22-year-old Leclerc had a 1.59 ERA in three relief appearances with Texas.

Rangers leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo was out of the lineup for a second straight day with back stiffness. Rookie Nomar Mazara replaced him in right field.

Blue Jays: Smoak extended 2 years
OAKLAND, Calif. -- First baseman Justin Smoak has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $8.25 million with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The contract announced by the team on Saturday will pay the 29-year-old Smoak $4.125 million per season in the first two years of the deal, with a $6 million option in 2019.

Smoak is batting .234 with nine home runs and 23 runs batted in this season.

In seven major league seasons, he's had a .225 batting average with 101 home runs, 316 RBIs and a .310 on-base percentage.

The Blue Jays are in Oakland for a series with the Athletics.

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