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The Washington Redskins have hired longtime NFL defensive guru Rob Ryan as inside linebackers coach. The team announced the move Wednesday, a day after promoting Kevin O’Connell to offensive coordinator on coach Jay Gruden’s staff. Ryan most recently served as the Buffalo Bills’ assistant head coach for defense in 2016. Before Buffalo, Ryan served as defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints from 2013-2015, Dallas Cowboys in 2011 and 2012, Cleveland Browns in 2009 and 2010 and Oakland Raiders from 2004-2008. His 2013 Saints’ defense ranked second in passing defense and fourth in points allowed. Redskins players should be excited […]

The Texas Rangers have reportedly signed free-agent reliever Shawn Kelley to a one-year deal according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.  Kelley will receive a $2.5 million base and another $500,000 possible in incentives. He also has a $2.5 million club option for 2020 with a $250,000 buyout. The Rangers have not confirmed the deal, but Kelley has passed his physical. Kelley split last season between the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics, totaling a 2.94 ERA in 49 innings. The 34-year-old has played for five different teams during his 10-year major league career, but he looked as good as ever over the past two months of last season. After being […]

Drew Pomeranz is eager to return to his top form from two years ago and forget an injury-shortened year in 2018. The left-hander agreed Wednesday to a $1.5 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants to provide depth in their rotation, and the deal includes $3.5 million in possible roster and performance bonuses. Pomeranz is very familiar with the NL West, having pitched for Colorado and San Diego, and also knows the Bay Area. He spent the 2014-15 seasons with Oakland. “The big thing for me was opportunity,” Pomeranz said. “My big thing is getting back on track to doing what […]

The Yankees have traded starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Cincinnati Reds, the teams announced Monday, finalizing a days-in-the-making deal that ends Gray’s topsy-turvy stint with New York. Both sides completed a deal that was contingent upon the Reds reaching a contract extension with the 29-year-old Gray, who agreed to a three-year, $30.5 million extension that includes a $12 million club option for 2023, a source familiar with the deal told ESPN. Combined with his $7.5 million salary this season, Gray’s deal can max out at five years and $50 million. New York dealt Gray and minor league left-hander Reiver Sanmartin […]

Veteran relief pitcher Adam Ottavino will be part of a loaded bullpen for the New York Yankees next season. Per The Athletic’s Robert Murray and Ken Rosenthal, Ottavino and the Yankees are closing in on a three-year deal.  ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the two sides agreed to terms. Fancred Sports’ Jon Heyman added Ottavino will receive $27 million over three years.  Ottavino, 33, had his best season as an MLB player in 2018, finishing with a 6-4 record and six saves in 75 appearances for the Colorado Rockies. He posted a 2.43 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 112 strikeouts in 77.2 innings, helping fuel Colorado’s 91-win regular season. His strikeout total in […]