It makes sense that Pittsburgh would want to lock the pair up, and the team did just that, announcing Saturday that each had agreed to a three-year contract extension with a club option for 2018.

"Neal and Clint have led a team of baseball professionals, in the front office and on the field, that has transformed the Pittsburgh Pirates into a club that again must be reckoned with in the National League," team president Frank Coonelly said in a statement. "We are extremely pleased that they will continue to lead this team in Pittsburgh."

Huntington has been the Pirates' general manager since 2007, helping turn the team from a last-place laughingstock into a more competitive club and, finally, into a legitimate contender last season, when Pittsburgh won 94 games and advanced as a Wild Card to the NLDS, falling there to division rival St. Louis in five games.

After managing the Rockies for seven-plus seasons, Hurdle was hired by the Pirates before the 2011 season. The club was much more competitive under Hurdle in his initial two seasons but faded late each year. There was no fade in 2013, as Pitsburgh finally returned to the postseason, and for his efforts Hurdle was named Manager of the Year.

Overall, Hurdle has gone 248-242 with Pittsburgh.


ESCOBAR SIGNS EXTENSION


The Rays normally let their key players leave in free agency or trade them before then, but this week has Tampa singing a different tune.

The team announced on Saturday that it had agreed to a two-year contract extension with shortstop Yunel Escobar worth a total of $13 million, with a club option for 2017.

"Yunel has been a tremendous addition to our infield and was a critical part of our success last year," said Rays vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "He brings enthusiasm and energy to our group on a daily basis to go along with his abilities on the field. We are excited to have the opportunity to extend his time in our uniform."

Escobar came to the Rays before last season in a trade with the Marlins, who had just acquired him from the Blue Jays in the blockbuster Jose Reyes-Josh Johnson-Mark Buehrle trade.

The shortstop wore out his welcome with both the Braves, his initial club, and Toronto due to off-field issues and perceived immaturity. But there were no issues in Tampa last season, and Escobar was solid throughout 2013, playing great defense and OPsing .698, a respectable number for a shortstop.

Earlier this week the Rays also agreed to an extension with starting pitcher Chris Archer.

The big remaining question for Tampa is whether or not the club will end up trading ace David Price, who's on a one-year deal. The Rays engaged in trade talks with other teams about Price this offseason before electing to keep him around for at least one more year.

Price has one more arbitration-eligible season left after 2014, after which he will no longer be under team control, and it seems unlikely the small-budget Rays will be able to afford a long-term deal with the powerful left-hander.


TEIXEIRA HITS DISABLED LIST


After exiting Friday night's game in the second inning, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with a right hamstring strain, the team announced.

It's a significant blow for New York and for Teixeira — the former All-Star is coming off a season in which he played just 15 games due to wrist surgery. He also played just 123 games in 2012 due to other various injuries.

The Yankees' infield was already a weak spot for the team and now it's even weaker. MLB.com reported that third baseman Kelly Johnson will shift over to first in Teixeira's absence. Catcher Andrew Romine was called up Triple-A to take his spot on the roster.

Teixeira was escorted off the field on Friday by Yankees trainer Steve Donohue after he tried to make a play on a foul grounder by Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera. Television replays showed Teixeira reaching for his hamstring as he left the dugout.


SON OF BOSTON ANNOUNCER CHARGED


The son of a Boston Red Sox broadcaster charged with fatally stabbing his girlfriend is facing additional charges stemming from allegations that he assaulted a fellow inmate who is also in jail awaiting trial.

The Middlesex District Attorney's office said on Saturday that it has charged Jared Remy with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for Thursday's attack. Authorities say the son of Boston Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy is now being held in solitary confinement. He is expected to be arraigned on the new case on April 24 in Cambridge District Court.

The 35-year-old Remy has pleaded not guilty to fatally stabbing Jennifer Martel at their apartment Aug. 15, when their daughter was at home.

Remy was released from custody after allegedly pushing 27-year-old Martel into a mirror two days before the killing.

Contributors: Ben Estes, The Associated Press