METS
Reyes gets minor league contract
ATLANTA -- The New York Mets signed shortstop Jose Reyes to a minor league contract on Saturday, creating a reunion with the team's former star who now must overcome a suspension for domestic violence as he attempts to revive his career.
Reyes, 33, played primarily at shortstop for the Mets from 2003-11 but may be used in a utility role in his return. General Manager Sandy Alderson said Reyes will play third base in his first minor league game with the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones today and will also work in the outfield.
Reyes was released by Colorado after he served a 59-day suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.
Alderson said during a conference call he believes Reyes deserves a second chance, though he acknowledged he expects some fans will not agree with the decision.
Colorado released Reyes earlier Saturday and is responsible for the $38,021,858 remaining in his contract: $12,021,858 of this year's $22 million salary, next year's $22 million salary and a $4 million buyout of a 2018 club option. If Reyes is added to the Mets' 40-man roster, New York would be responsible for just a prorated share of the $507,500 minimum, which would be offset against what the Rockies owe.
Reyes has a .290 career batting average and had four consecutive seasons with 50 or more steals with the Mets. He hit a combined .274 with Toronto and Colorado in 2015 while playing at shortstop.
ROYALS
Gordon reinstated from DL
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals reinstated left fielder Alex Gordon from the disabled list before their game Saturday against the Houston Astros.
The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner fractured his right wrist in a May 22 collision with third baseman Mike Moustakas while chasing a foul ball at Chicago. Moustakas suffered a season-ending torn right anterior cruciate ligament.
Gordon, who signed a $72 million, four-year contract in January after filing for free agency, hit. 211 with 4 home runs and 10 RBI in 42 games before the injury.
In six rehab games, Gordon hit .364 with a .481 on-base percentage, .545 slugging percentage, one home run and five RBI with Class AAA Omaha and Class AA Northwest Arkansas.
The Royals optioned rookie outfielder Brett Eibner (Arkansas Razorbacks), who hit .297 with 1 home run and 7 RBI in 11 games, to Omaha to make roster space for Gordon.
REDS
Rose inducted into Reds Hall
CINCINNATI -- Pete Rose joked about his hair and his age. He reminisced about all those victories with the Big Red Machine. There was one thing that the hits king was determined not to do when he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds' Hall of Fame.
"I've already cried on the field one time," Rose said Saturday, referring to the time he got his record-setting hit. "That's enough."
Rose, 75, kept his composure during a pregame ceremony honoring him as the 86th player to go into the team's hall. Many of his former Big Red Machine teammates -- Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Tony Perez, among them -- were on hand to join in the humor and the honor.
Also, to say a few nice things about the Cincinnati native known as Charlie Hustle who became the face of baseball's first professional team in so many ways, with his gritty play and, later, his lifetime ban for betting on Reds games. His ban prevents him from getting into Cooperstown, but the Reds got permission to honor him in their own way.
Rose set baseball's hits record with No. 4,192 at Riverfront Stadium in 1985 against the Padres. When he reached first base on his single, he wound up crying during a nine-minute ovation from fans.
As he was introduced at Great American Ball Park on Saturday, fans chanted, "Pete! Pete!" and gave him a one-minute ovation.
-- Democrat-Gazette Press Services
Sports on 06/26/2016