Baseball notebook: MLB tells managers to limit arguing on balls and strikes – STLtoday.com

Major League Baseball is telling managers to cool it on arguing balls and strikes, and warning them not to rely on replay help to bolster their beefs.

MLB executive Joe Torre sent a memo Friday to managers, general managers and assistant general managers that said: “This highly inappropriate conduct is detrimental to the game and must stop immediately.”

“Although disagreements over ball and strike calls are natural, the prevalence of manager ejections simply cannot continue,” Torre wrote. “This conduct not only delays the game, but it also has the propensity to undermine the integrity of the umpires on the field.”

Astros introduce Cuban infielder • Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow first saw Yulieski Gurriel play a decade ago in a tournament in Amsterdam.

He imagined him playing in the major leagues and made that dream a reality Saturday when he signed the Cuban free agent to a $47.5 million, five-year deal with the Astros.

A beaming Gurriel, 32, was introduced Saturday in Houston, Gurriel is primarily a third baseman but also has played second base and shortstop. He was an Olympian in 2004 and 2008.

In 15 seasons in Cuba, he is a .335 hitter with 250 homers and 1,018 RBIs. Last season, he hit .500 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in just 49 games for Industriales.

Royals reinstate Davis • Kansas City reinstated closer Wade Davis from the 15-day disabled list. Davis hasn’t pitched since June 30 because of a strained right forearm. The righthander is 1-0 with a 1.23 ERA and 19 saves in 30 games.

Jays give Smoak extension • First baseman Justin Smoak has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $8.25 million with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Braves place closer on DL • Atlanta placed struggling closer Arodys Vizcaino on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique strain.

Associated Press