LOS ANGELES — Manny Ramirez is returning to the Dodgers next season.
The team said Friday the slugger exercised his $20 million contract option for 2010. His agent Scott Boras informed general manager Ned Colletti of the decision, which Ramirez had until this month to make.
He could have exercised an out clause in the two-year, $45 million deal he signed in March.
Ramirez hit .290 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs in 104 regular-season games. He missed 50 games while suspended for violating baseball’s drug policy.
Lee will return to Phillies
PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies picked up Cliff Lee’s $9 million option for next year.
Lee, 31, was acquired from the Indians on July 29 for four minor-leaguers and quickly became Philadelphia’s ace. Lee posted a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for the Phillies, then went 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five postseason outings, including 2-0 in the World Series.
Diamondbacks want Webb
PHOENIX — Brandon Webb’s $8.5 million option was exercised by the Diamondbacks, who are counting on the former Cy Young Award winner coming back successfully from shoulder surgery.
The 30-year-old right-hander was the team’s opening-day pitcher last season, giving up six runs in four innings, then did not take the mound again the rest of the year, eventually undergoing surgery on his pitching shoulder Aug. 4.
A three-time all-star, Webb won the 2006 NL Cy Young Award.
Footnotes.
The White Sox acquired Mark Teahen in a trade from the Royals, getting a new third baseman in exchange for infielders Chris Getz and Josh Fields and cash.
The White Sox also declined a $12 million mutual option on right fielder Jermaine Dye, who filed for free agency.
• The Twins acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy, sending speedy outfielder Carlos Gomez to the Brewers.
The Brewers also declined a $3.7 million option on right- hander David Weathers, who gets a $400,000 buyout.
• Washington declined a $10 million option and chose to pay a $1 million buyout to outfielder Austin Kearns.
• The Angels’ Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins and Kelvim Escobar were among 39 players who filed, raising the total of free agents to 118. Also filing were three members of the NL champion Phillies: Pedro Martinez, Brett Myers and Miguel Cairo.
The Associated Press
