Reports: Yankees sign Kevin Youkilis
NEW YORK, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees have agreed to sign former Boston Red Sox nemesis Kevin Youkilis, The New York Times and New York Daily News reported Tuesday.
The newspapers, citing unnamed sources, said the 33-year-old infielder has inked a $12 million deal for next season, pending a physical, to fill in for the injured Alex Rodriguez at third base.
Youkilis hit a career-low .235 with 19 home runs, 15 doubles and 60 RBI over 122 games split between the Red Sox and Chicago White Sox last season.
The veteran was dealt to Chicago June 24 for Brent Lillibridge and Zach Stewart after a personality clash with Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.
He has racked up a .283 career batting average 148 home runs, 247 doubles and 610 RBI runs in 1,033 games over nine seasons, mostly with the Red Sox, for whom he was a fan favorite -- especially when playing against the rival Yankees.
Rodriguez, idled with a hip injury, isn't expected back in the New York lineup until well into the 2013 season.
Diamondbacks sign pitcher McCarthy
PHOENIX, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Pitcher Brandon McCarthy has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced Tuesday.
MLB.com reported the contract for the seven-year veteran was for $15.5 million.
The right-handed starter compiled an 8-6 record and a career-best 3.24 ERA over 18 games for the Oakland Athletics last season before being hit in the face with a batted ball in a Sept. 5 game against the Los Angeles Angels.
He is expected to resume normal pitching activities over the winter after suffering an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture in the incident.
McCarthy has a 37-39 record with a 4.02 ERA over his career with Oakland, the Chicago White Sox and Texas.
Ravens' Jackson suspended 4 games
BALTIMORE, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The NFL said Baltimore Ravens cornerback Asa Jackson has been suspended for four games for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The rookie will miss the final three games of the regular season and the fourth game would be Baltimore's first playoff game if the Ravens make the playoffs.
The Ravens have a two-game lead in the AFC North Division.
Jackson has seen action on special teams in the past three games, registering one tackle.
Pittsburgh suspends Mendenhall 1 game
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the NFL club said Tuesday.
Mendenhall, who has played in only four games this season because of injuries, will miss the Steelers' game against Dallas Sunday.
Details of his offending behavior were not provided.
The 25-year-old running back has 113 rushing yards on 34 carries.
Running back Baron Batch was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad to fill Mendenhall's roster spot.
