Manny Ramirez is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers next season.
The team said yesterday that the slugger exercised his $20 million contract option for 2010.
Ramirez hit .290 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs in 104 regular-season games. He missed 50 games while suspended for violating baseball's drug policy.
Brewers trade. Milwaukee dealt J.J. Hardy to Minnesota for speedy outfielder Carlos Gomez.
Hardy, a 2007 all-star shortstop, was demoted to triple A in August.
The Brewers also declined a $3.7 million option on righthander David Weathersby, buying him out for $400,000.
Royals trade. Kansas City sent Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox, with whom he will return to his familiar position at third base from a utility infielder role.
The Royals got Chris Getz and Josh Fields from the White Sox in exchange.
Chicago also got cash considerations in the deal.
Kansas City also declined options for outfielder Coco Crisp ($8 million), catcher Miguel Olivo ($3.3 million), and righthander Yasuhiko Yabuta ($4 million). Crisp and Olivo became eligible for free agency.
The White Sox also declined a 2010 option on rightfielder Jermaine Dye.
Elsewhere. Colorado declined its part of mutual options on catcher Yorvit Torrealba and lefthander Alan Embree, and they both filed for free agency. . . . The Mets declined an option on reliever J.J. Putz, making him eligible for free agency. . . . Detroit removed outfielder Marcus Thames and catcher Matt Treanor from the roster, enabling both players to become free agents. . . . Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option was exercised by Arizona, which hopes the former Cy Young Award winner returns successfully from shoulder surgery.
