Astros sign Cuba’s Gurriel

The Houston Astros signed Cuban defector Yulieski Gurriel to a $47.5-million, five-year deal on Saturday.

Gurriel, 32, is primarily a third baseman. He defected in February and was declared a free agent last month.

In 15 seasons in Cuba, Gurriel was a.335 hitter with 250 home runs and 1,018 runs batted in.

Torre to teams: Don’t get so worked up over calls

Major League Baseball executive Joe Torre told teams in a Friday memo to cool it on arguing balls and strikes. The Associated Press obtained the memo Saturday.

Torre wrote that “this highly inappropriate conduct is detrimental to the game and must stop immediately.”

Etc.

First baseman Justin Smoak has agreed to a two-year extension with Toronto worth $8.25 million.

Atlanta closer Arodys Vizcaino was put on the 15-day DL because of a right oblique strain.