News briefs: Big Hurt to serve as White Sox team ambassador

CHICAGO -- Frank Thomas has returned to the Chicago White Sox, just five years after his bitter departure.

Thomas will serve as a team ambassador, a role that could include everything from helping the current players to speaking engagements on behalf of the club.

Thomas retired in February after a 19-year career that included 521 homers and 1,704 RBI. The two-time AL MVP also finished with a .301 career batting average.

The Big Hurt split his final three seasons between Oakland and Toronto, but is remembered most for his long run with the White Sox.

Thomas left Chicago after the White Sox won the 2005 World Series, becoming upset when the club bought out his option for $3.5 million. He criticized the organization, and general manager Ken Williams responded by calling him "an idiot."

Thomas made his major league debut in 1990 and still owns the White Sox records for homers (448) and RBI (1,465). The team will retire his No. 35 on Frank Thomas Day at U.S. Cellular Field on Aug. 29.

Thomas' number will be the 10th retired by the White Sox, following 2 (Nellie Fox), 3 (Harold Baines), 4 (Luke Appling), 9 (Minnie Minoso), 11 (Luis Aparicio), 16 (Ted Lyons), 19 (Billy Pierce), 42 (Jackie Robinson) and 72 (Carlton Fisk). Robinson's number is retired by all 30 major league teams. Full story

A's catcher Suzuki signs new four-year deal

NEW YORK -- Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki is guaranteed $16.25 million under his new four-year contract with Oakland.

Suzuki had agreed in March to a deal paying him $420,000 in the major leagues and $246,000 in the minors.

Under the contract announced Friday, he receives a $150,000 signing bonus and $600,000 this year.

His salary increases to $3.4 million next year, when he would have been eligible for arbitration for the first time. He then gets $5 million in 2012 and $6.45 million in 2013.

Marlins' Coghlan hurts knee in celebration

SAN FRANCISCO -- Chris Coghlan is the latest player to become seriously injured while celebrating.

The Florida Marlins left fielder is headed for the disabled list with a torn meniscus in his left knee and could need surgery.

The reigning NL Rookie of the Year's injury was revealed in an MRI on Monday. He was hurt while delivering a pie in the face to teammate Wes Helms following the pinch-hitter's bases-loaded single in the 11th inning of a 5-4 victory against Atlanta on Sunday. There will be no more such celebratory antics by Florida, manager Edwin Rodriguez said.

If Coghlan needs surgery, he said he would likely be sidelined six to eight weeks. Coghlan was batting .268 with five home runs and 28 RBI.

Braves catcher Ross agrees to two-year extension

WASHINGTON -- Atlanta Braves backup catcher David Ross agreed to a two-year contract extension that will pay him $3.25 million.

Ross is making $1.6 million this year in the final season of a $3 million, two-year deal. The extension announced will pay him $1,625,000 in each of the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

He can make an additional $250,000 annually in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 games started as a catcher.

Ross was batting .269 with no homers and 18 RBI heading into Atlanta's game at the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. The 33-year-old is in his ninth major league season and had thrown out 37 percent of runners who've tried to steal on him.

Pirates recall relievers from Triple-A

DENVER -- The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled right-hander Steven Jackson and purchased the contract of lefty Will Ledezma from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Jackson was 3-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 31 games for Indianapolis. This is his third call-up of the season.

Ledezma was 0-1 with a 0.94 ERA and eight saves in 35 appearances for Indianapolis. He last pitched in a major league game April 18, 2009, while with the Washington Nationals.

The moves fill the roster spots vacated by starter Brad Lincoln and reliever Brendan Donnelly. On Sunday, Lincoln was optioned to Triple-A and Donnelly was designated for assignment.

MLB to San Jose: Wait on ballot measure for A's

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Major League Baseball is asking San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed to hold off on putting a measure on the ballot for an Oakland Athletics ballpark.

Reed said he spoke with MLB President Bob DuPuy about the proposed measure.

Last week, the mayor said he would ask the City Council to approve a ballot measure even though MLB has yet to decide whether the team can move. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig had said he was "disappointed" with Reed's action.

The A's need approval before they can move to San Jose because the San Francisco Giants hold territorial rights to the area. Voters also have to approve a stadium.

Royals righty Meche likely done for season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Right-hander Gil Meche of the Kansas City Royals will undergo surgery on his pitching shoulder that will probably end his season.

Meche has been on the disabled list since May 29 with what the club described as bursitis in the shoulder. Meche, the first upper-tier free agent the Royals have signed, has battled injuries the past two seasons. He has one year left on a five-year, $55 million contract.

Rays sign Cuban 1B Ruiz

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have signed Cuban first baseman Jose Ruiz to a one-year major league contract.

The agreement was announced after the Rays beat Detroit 3-2. The 24-year old Ruiz will report to Tampa Bay's summer league team in the Dominican Republic.

Also, Tampa Bay signed 2010 fifth round draft pick, right-handed pitcher Ian Kendall.