MLB roundup: Brewers announce signing of Garza

[January 27, 2014]  (The Sports Xchange) — The Milwaukee Brewers officially announced on Sunday they have reached an agreement with free agent right-handed pitcher Matt Garza on a four-year contract.

Team owner Mark Attanasio made the announcement during Brewers On Deck, the Brewers' annual winter fan festival.

The contract, for a reported four-years and $52 million, would be the largest free agent deal in franchise history.

The right-hander was 10-6 with a 3.82 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 155 1/3 innings last season with the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers over 24 total starts.

—Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun remained apologetic in addressing the media prior to the Brewers On Deck fan fair at the Wisconsin Center.

It was Braun's first large-scale public appearance in Milwaukee since his 65-game suspension last season.

"I'm excited to be back," Braun said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It's always nice to be back. I think since my extended off-season began I've been back a few times, and everybody's been extremely supportive."

Braun would not address any further questions regarding details about his PED usage.

—The Arizona Diamondbacks signed veteran first baseman and outfielder Shelley Duncan to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, the Arizona Republic reported.

Duncan went 10 for 55 and hit two home runs with the Tampa Bay Rays last season while also hitting .215 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs in 335 at-bats with Triple-A Durham.

—Right-hander Yu Darvish will start Opening Day for the Texas Rangers against the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Ron Washington said.

Washington made that proclamation, as long as Darvish is healthy, after a fan asked about it at Rangers Fan Fest at Rangers Ballpark on Saturday.

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