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Keuchel itching to join new team

The Associated Press

MIAMI — Left-hander Dallas Keuchel says he doesn’t expect to need much time tuning up in the minors before he joins his new team, the Atlanta Braves.

The team confirmed Friday night that the 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner had agreed to a one-year contract. He’s scheduled to pitch today for Triple-A Gwinnett.

During a conference call, Keuchel said he has been pitching seven innings in simulated games in Southern California.

Keuchel’s contract is for about $13 million. He went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA in 34 starts last season for Houston and turned down a $17.9 million qualifying offer in November.

A two-time All-Star, Keuchel is 76-63 with a 3.66 ERA in seven major league seasons, all with the Astros.

Colorado Rockies

NEW YORK — The surging Colorado Rockies just got two All-Stars back from the injured list.

Right fielder Charlie Blackmon and closer Wade Davis were activated Friday before the opener of a three-game series against the New York Mets. Blackmon was available off the bench and expected to start Saturday night. Davis was ready to pitch the ninth inning if needed.

Blackmon had been sidelined since May 24 with a strained right calf, while Davis had been out since May 19 with a left oblique strain.

Even without both three-time All-Stars, the Rockies had won nine of 11. They went 8-2 after Blackmon was placed on the IL, and 11-4 with Davis unavailable.

Seattle Mariners

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Seattle Mariners have placed outfielder Mitch Haniger on the 10-day injured list.

Seattle announced the roster moves before opening a road trip against the Angels on Friday. Haniger suffered a ruptured testicle after a foul ball bounced up and hit him against the Astros on Thursday.

New York Yankees

CLEVELAND — Didi Gregorius was back at shortstop for the New York Yankees, who are winning despite a slew of major injuries.

Gregorius had Tommy John surgery in October, shortly after he injured his right elbow in the playoffs against Boston.

He made a quick recovery and is expected to start Friday as the AL East-leading Yankees open a three-game series against the Indians. Cleveland won, 5-2, and Gregorious went 2-for-4 in his return.

The 29-year-old Gregorius batted .268 last season with a career-high 27 homers and 86 RBIs. Beyond his offensive stats, Gregorius plays Gold Glove-caliber defense and is New York’s best all-around player. His return balances a lineup missing several key players, including injured All-Star slugger Aaron Judge.

Manager Aaron Boone will ease Gregorius back by not playing him every day.

To make roster space for Gregorius, the Yankees optioned infielder Thairo Estrada to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and transferred shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the 60-day injured list.

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