TAMPA, Fla. – Kevin Youkilis agrees with Joba Chamberlain: Any tension between the new teammates is in the past.

Youkilis took part in his first workout with the New York Yankees on Thursday and addressed past feuding with Chamberlain over tight fastballs.

After Youkilis agreed to join the Yankees, the reliever left him a voice mail. Chamberlain said in January he had not heard back, then revealed earlier this month he had received a text.

“You guys have written a lot about it, and I think it’s just something you guys keep going on and on about,” Youkilis told reporters. “But we’re here at spring training as a team and ready to play. I hope the only drama this year we create is walk-off home runs and hits.”

Youkilis and Chamberlain, who was taking part in the second day of workouts for New York’s pitchers and catchers, didn’t cross paths. Both are looking forward to seeing each other.

“At some time we’ll all sit down and talk, but things all are going to be OK. Don’t worry,” Youkilis said.

Advertisement

MARINERS: Felix Hernandez will make $27 million in the final year of his new $175 million, seven-year contract, which includes a conditional eighth-year option should he need elbow ligament surgery during the length of the deal.

Hernandez also is receiving a $6 million signing bonus for the contract, the largest deal for a pitcher in baseball history. The signing bonus is payable within 30 days of the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball, and he’ll make $19 million this season and $22 million in 2014. The $47 million due during 2013-14 is $6.5 million more than he was due under his previous deal.

ATHLETICS: Closer Grant Balfour had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus.

The recovery time usually is 4 to 6 weeks and Balfour decided to have the procedure now with the hope of returning for the start of the season. The injury is considered minor.

ROCKIES-RAYS: Colorado acquired infielder Reid Brignac from Tampa Bay for a player to be named and cash.

Brignac bounced around between Triple-A Durham and the Rays last season. He hit .095 in 16 games at the major-league level.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.