HOUSTON (AP) — Astros reliever Brandon Lyon had surgery to drain a small cyst in his pitching shoulder but is expected to be ready for spring training.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jacque Jones has returned to the Minnesota Twins, agreeing to a minor league contract.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Yorvit Torrealba and the San Diego Padres have finalized a one-year contract that guarantees the catcher $1.25 million.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minnesota Twins shortstop Greg Gagne has been elected to the team's Hall of Fame.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Speedy outfielder Willy Taveras has been released by the Oakland Athletics, eight days after he was acquired from Cincinnati with infielder Adam Rosales for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named.

NEW YORK (AP) — Marcus Thames agreed Monday to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, who also finalized a $1.1 million, one-year deal with Randy Winn to give themselves more left field options.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have been spending their way out of that small-budget image, mirroring the imminent increase in revenue from their new ballpark with a big spike in player salary commitments.

NEW YORK (AP) — Randy Winn and the New York Yankees have finalized a $1.1 million, one-year contract.

NEW YORK (AP) — Former major league manager Bob Melvin has been hired as a professional scout by the New York Mets, who also brought back Mookie Wilson as their minor league outfield and base running coordinator.