The Yankees have signed David Aardsma, who will begin the season on the disabled list following Tommy John surgery. The right-handed reliever will earn $500,000 this season under a Major League contract if he pitches in 2012. New York also holds a club option on Aardsma's services for the 2013 season. "The move could help us in 2012, but has a lot more eyes toward 2013," Brian Cashman said. "[Aardsma is] another power arm choice for us at a cost-contained price."

The Giants welcomed back some familiar faces Wednesday, three days before pitchers and catchers are due to report to Spring Training. Outfielder Justin Christian cleared release waivers, re-signed with San Francisco and received a non-roster invitation to camp. The Giants also signed veteran Ramon Ortiz to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league camp. Ortiz, who was in camp with the Giants in 2009.

The Twins have agreed to a one-year, $1.38 million contract with Alexi Casilla. The deal, completed Wednesday, allowed the two sides to avoid arbitration. Minnesota offered $1,065,000, while Casilla asked for $1,750,000. His salary was $865,000 last season.

The White Sox have signed left-handed hitter Kosuke Fukudome to a low-risk contract. Fukudome will make only $1 million guaranteed, half of that coming this season. If he proves himself productive, he could make $3.5 million for 2013. He is coming off a four-year, $48 million deal with the Cubs.

The Indians have added another option for their starting rotation. Cleveland signed Jon Garland to a Minor League deal on Monday. They have four starting spots filled, but wanted to add depth and experience. Garland's 2011 season was cut short by a shoulder injury. He went 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA in just nine starts for the Dodgers before shoulder surgery in July.

The Cardinals have agreed to terms on a Minor League deal with reliever Scott Linebrink. Linebrink, 35, was 4-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 64 games with the Braves last season. He struck out 42 in 54 1-3 innings and held batters to a .235 batting average.

Russell Branyan will have the chance to make the Yankees as a reserve utility infielder after agreeing to a Minor League deal. Branyan hit .197 with five homers and 14 RBIs in 127 at-bats last season for the Diamondbacks and Angels, playing first base, third base and designated hitter.

The Red Sox have signed 17-year-old pitcher Daniel McGrath. A left-hander, McGrath is a native of Melbourne, Australia. McGrath will travel to Fort Myers for about a week during Spring Training, but then return to Australia where he won't graduate from high school until December.

Pittsburgh has signed Jeff Suppan to a Minor League contract. Suppan, who received an invitation to Spring Training, will earn $950,000 if he makes the team.

The Reds have improved their depth by signing Ryan Ludwick to a one-year deal and Jeff Francis to a Minor League contract. Ludwick, 33, and the Reds have a mutual option for 2013. The outfielder batted .237 last season in 139 games with the Padres and Pirates. Francis, 31, has struggled since he missed the 2009 season because of shoulder surgery.