Guillen’s Visa Waiver Is Approved

Jose Guillen’s visa waiver was approved by the U.S. State Department, and the Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder might arrive at spring training as early as tonight. Pirate owner Kevin McClatchy had asked Sen. Rick Santorum (R.-Penn.) to help Guillen regain his visa. “As soon as Jose gets the visa in his hands, our hope is he’ll be on the next flight [to Florida],” Pirate General Manager Cam Bonifay said. Guillen remained in the Dominican Republic for three weeks, missing the start of spring training because U.S. immigration officials questioned the validity of a marriage license he presented before trying to return to the U.S. After an investigation, the Immigration and Naturalization Service refused Monday to reinstate Guillen’s visa.

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Ben Grieve, the American League rookie of the year, agreed to a one-year, $300,000 contract with the Oakland Athletics. Oakland General Manager Billy Beane met Tuesday with Grieve’s agent, Alan Hendricks. The A’s had hoped for a multiyear contract before the start of the season. But Todd Helton’s four-year, $12-million contract with Colorado last week upped Grieve’s price, according to Grieve. . . . Minnesota Twin left fielder Marty Cordova doesn’t have structural damage in his right shoulder, General Manager Terry Ryan said. Cordova, a disappointment the last two seasons in part because of injuries, had an MRI because of persistent soreness. Ryan said Cordova should be able to resume throwing soon. . . . Texas Ranger outfielder Mike Simms is out indefinitely because of a partial tear in his left Achilles’ tendon, the team announced. . . . Country singer Garth Brooks will return to the San Diego Padres’ camp today after taking a few days off to be with his mother. Colleen Brooks underwent surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to remove a cancerous spot from her mouth. . . . An Arizona Diamondback minor league pitcher was indicted in Tucson on a manslaughter charge in connection with a drunk-driving accident that killed a teammate. Pima County authorities said John Rosengren could face 7 to 21 years in prison if convicted for “recklessly causing the death” of former major league pitcher Ken Robinson, who was a passenger in Rosengren’s car that overturned Feb. 28.