MLB notes: Red Sox sign Rusney Castillo

The Boston Red Sox are hoping another touted Cuban outfielder can help them turn things around next season.

The team signed Rusney Castillo to a seven-year contract Saturday that begins immediately.

Several reports indicated the deal is worth $72.5 million.

“You’re trying to build a winning team as quickly as you can, and we feel Rusney can be a part of that,” general manager Ben Cherington said.

Castillo will join fellow Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes in Boston’s new-look outfield. Trying to improve a weak lineup, the Red Sox obtained Cespedes from Oakland and Allen Craig from St. Louis at the July 31 trade deadline.

Cherington said Castillo first needs to obtain a work visa, then he’ll go to the team’s spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida, to get back into game shape. The club hopes to have him play in some games in the majors before the end of the season, but he’ll likely be in the minors first.

Torre honored

Joe Torre lingered on the field at Yankee Stadium, hugging each one of the guests on hand to honor New York’s four-time World Series winning manager.

If Torre’s time with the Yankees always felt like a family affair why should the day his No. 6 was retired be any different?

“It’s a long, long journey from the field to Monument Park,” Torre said. “However, I was blessed to make that journey on the shoulders of some very special players.”

The recently inducted Hall of Famer unveiled his number alongside those of 16 other retired numbers in Monument Park at the start of the ceremony.

With No. 6 forever out of circulation, that leaves Derek Jeter’s No. 2 as the only single digit number still being worn on Yankees pinstripes.

Clearing the bases

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon protested Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays in the fourth inning after the umpires granted Toronto a replay challenge after the next play had begun. Toronto beat the Rays 5-4 in 10 innings. … The Cleveland Indians have acquired catcher Chris Gimenez from the Texas Rangers for future considerations. … The Washington Nationals have selected the contract of outfielder Nate Schierholtz from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned outfielder Michael Taylor to their top farm club.