TUCSON — Justin Upton signed a $51.25 million, six-year contract with the Diamondbacks, the second-largest deal in franchise history.
“I do kind of put that pressure on myself,” the 22-year-old outfielder said Wednesday. “I want to be great, that’s the thing.”
Upton earned his first all-star berth last season, when he hit .300 with 26 homers and 86 RBIs.
The only bigger contract in Diamondbacks history was the $52.4 million, four-year deal Randy Johnson signed in 1999.
Hamilton eyes return next week
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton likely won’t return to the field until next week because of a bruised left shoulder.
“At this point of spring training there’s no need to push it further,” he said. “Could I go out and do something? Probably. Is it smart to? No.”
Footnotes.
First baseman Lance Berkman (knee) will sit out Houston’s spring training opener today against Washington.
• The Dodgers signed 37-year- old outfielder Garret Anderson to a minor-league contract and invited him to training camp.
• Giants ace Tim Lincecum struggled in his spring debut, allowing three runs in one inning as San Francisco beat the Mariners 8-7 in 10 innings in Peoria, Ariz.
• Right-hander Tim Hudson, who missed most of the 2009 season after recovering from Tommy John surgery, pitched two sharp innings and rookie Jason Heyward doubled and scored as the Braves beat the Mets 9-5 in Kissimmee, Fla.
• Jeremy Bonderman pitched two shutout innings after missing most of last season with circulatory problems in his right shoulder as the Tigers beat the Blue Jays 7-6 in Dunedin, Fla.
The Associated Press
