CLEVELAND (AP) — Outfielder Austin Kearns is returning to the Cleveland Indians, agreeing to a one-year contract.
Kearns spent the first four months of last season with the Indians, then was traded to the New York Yankees on July 30 for pitcher Zach McAllister. After making Cleveland’s roster out of spring training, Kearns batted .272 with eight homers and 42 RBIs in 84 games.
With the Yankees, Kearns batted .235 with two homers and seven RBIs in 36 games.
Kearns has a .257 average in a career that began with Cincinnati. He also played in Washington under Indians manager Manny Acta.
