Morning Roundup: Mercer signs with Tigers, according to source

Source: Mercer signs with Tigers

A person familiar with the negotiations says former Taloga High School and Oklahoma State star Jordy Mercer and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $5.25 million, one-year contract.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.

Mercer had spent his entire seven-season big league career with Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old shortstop hit .251 with six homers and 39 RBIs, down from 14 homers and 58 RBIs in 2017.

Source: Morton, Rays agree on 2-year deal

A person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press that All-Star pitcher Charlie Morton and the Tampa Bay Rays have reached a $30 million, two-year deal.

The 35-year-old Morton was a first-time All-Star last season when he went 15-3 for Houston. He had a 3.13 ERA in a career-high 30 starts.

Morton helped the Astros win their first championship in 2017. He started and won Game 7 of the AL Championship Series against the Yankees, then was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the World Series against the Dodgers with four innings of relief.

The right-hander joins a Rays staff led by AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.

FIFA bans head of Afghan soccer

FIFA has provisionally banned the head of the Afghanistan soccer federation following accusations of sexual and physical abuse of female players.

In a statement, FIFA says Afghanistan Football Federation president Keramuudin Karim's 90-day suspension "may be extended pending proceedings on the merits of the case."

FIFA did not specify the details of the charge, only saying the "sanction has been imposed in connection with ongoing investigations concerning AFF officials, as reported by local authorities and published by some media."

FROM WIRE REPORTS