Eric Byrnes is coming out of retirement to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation

By Aaron GleemanApr 30, 2014, 1:30 PM EST
11 Comments

Eric Byrnes hasn’t played in the majors since 2010 and has spent the past several years doing lots of television work, but now the 38-year-old is coming out of retirement. Sort of.

Byrnes will play two games for the San Rafael Pacifics of the independent Pacific Association, on August 5 and 6,  in order to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which helps support veterans and their spouses.

Here’s more from John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle:

The Pacifics are donating a portion of the ticket sales for both of Byrnes’ appearances to the foundation, and Byrnes has agreed to donate his Pacifics salary. Furthermore, he’ll donate $1,000 for each of his walks, steals and singles, $2,000 for a double; $3,000 for a triple and $10,000 for a homer.  Plus, $500 for every ball he catches.

Good on ya, Byrnes.

Report: Rangers sign Jeff Mathis to two-year deal

Denis Poroy/Getty Images
By Bill BaerNov 15, 2018, 9:47 PM EST
1 Comment

The Rangers have signed catcher Jeff Mathis to a two-year contract, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal is pending a physical.

Mathis turns 36 years old at the end of March and has a career .564 OPS across 14 seasons, but he is well-regarded for his defense and ability to handle a pitching staff.

The arrival of Mathis could mean the Rangers are moving on from Robinson Chirinos behind the plate, as he is now a free agent. The Rangers could go after another catcher to complement Mathis or just have Isiah Kiner-Falefa back up Mathis. Though Kiner-Falefa mostly played elsewhere, including three spots across the infield, he did rack up over 300 defensive innings behind the plate in 2018.