Upton headed to Braves; Pettitte returns to Yanks

The longtime Philadelphia reliever missed last season with Cincinnati, which signed him in January after a stellar performance in 2011 with the Phillies. He had surgery in April on a torn ligament in his right elbow.

Well ahead of schedule in his recovery, Madson said he expects to be the Angels’ closer. General manager Jerry Dipoto agreed the veteran is likely to supplant Ernesto Frieri when fully healthy.

“I feel like if I can throw the ball like I’m capable of, I expect to have that role,” Madson said. “I expect to come to spring training and earn the job.”

Broxton isn’t sure what role he’ll have in Cincinnati after securing a $21 million, three-year contract that gives the NL Central champions a chance to reconfigure their starting rotation.

The two-time All-Star came to the Reds last July in a trade with Kansas City. He filled in as the closer when Aroldis Chapman developed a tired shoulder and had four saves in six chances overall with a 2.82 ERA.

Now the Reds have the option of turning Chapman into a starter, which was the plan last season until Madson blew out his elbow. The team has told Chapman to prepare for next season as a starter, although it hasn’t committed to Broxton as the closer.

“Nothing’s in stone right now,” assistant general manager Bob Miller said. “When we talked to Jonathan we said he was going to be at the back end of the bullpen. What happens depends on spring training and how things play out in the offseason.”

Broxton wanted a multiyear deal so he could settle in one place. He didn’t insist on assurances he’d be a closer.

“I went into the offseason with an open mind,” Broxton said. “I’ve got experience in both roles. Even if Chapman doesn’t work out as a starter, he can come back in and fill in as the closer. I’ll be happy to throw the eighth (inning). It doesn’t matter. You saw what he did last year.”

The 28-year-old Upton hit .246 with 78 RBIs for the Rays last season. He will replace free agent Michael Bourn as the Braves’ center fielder and should provide much-needed power from the right side.

Upton’s first full season with Tampa Bay was 2007, when he hit a career-best .300 with 24 homers and 22 stolen bases. His home run totals have increased in each of the last three seasons, but he has hit below .250 with more than 150 strikeouts in four straight years.

Bourn was the Braves’ leadoff hitter, but Upton is not expected to fill that role.

Elsewhere, the Boston Red Sox made a flurry of minor moves, trading right-handers Zach Stewart and Sandy Rosario as well as third baseman Danny Valencia.

Stewart was sent to Pittsburgh and Rosario to Oakland for players to be named. Valencia was shipped to Baltimore for cash.

Boston also hired Greg Colbrunn as hitting coach.

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