Russell Branyan has signed a Minor League contract with the Cleveland Indians.

Branyan has been assigned to Triple-A Columbus.

He has spent the 2014 season with los Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League and has slashed a robust .296/.423/.620 with 19 home runs in 272 plate appearances.

The Cleveland Indians have signed Scott Atchison to a contract for next season.

The deal also includes a team option for 2016.

Atchison, 38, has been a major contributor out of Cleveland's bullpen this season, going 6-0 with a 2.95 ERA in 53 appearances.

The Washington Nationals have signed Nate Schierholtz to a Minor League contract.

Schierholtz has been sent to Triple-A Syracuse.

The 30-year-old was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 6 after appearing in 99 games this season.

The Padres have named A.J. Preller their next general manager, the team announced Wednesday.

Sources said the deal is for five years, according to an ESPN.com report.

Relief pitcher Jim Johnson, released by the A's last week, signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Tuesday, according to an ESPN.com report.

Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said Johnson will join the team in New York to throw for major-league pitching coach Jeff Jones, but will then be assigned to Triple-A Toledo.

The Minnesota Twins and Kurt Suzuki have agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Suzuki will make $6 million in both 2015 and 2016 and the deal contains a vesting option for 2017 at the same price.

The 30-year-old entered Thursday hitting .304/.367/.386.