THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees say star third baseman Alex Rodriguez is totally fine after having special treatment on his right knee and left shoulder in Germany earlier this month.

The 36-year-old Rodriguez had plasma-rich platelet injections following a recommendation from Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday that the team gave its permission after vetting the process.

Rodriguez’s treatment was first reported by the New York Post.

Cashman says the therapy is in “complete compliance” with WADA and Major League Baseball regulations. He also said the treatment is performed in the United States. The Yankees say Rodriguez went to the doctor in Germany because he’s at the top of this field.

Rodriguez had surgery on his right knee last July and saw his power drop in the second half and post-season. He played in 99 games and hit 16 home runs. He has 629 career homers.

Cashman says Rodriguez is “100 per cent” right now and that there are “no red flags” going into spring training. Cashman says he expects Rodriguez to be able to play every day.

The Yankees also said they’ve reached agreement with 37-year-old lefty Hideki Okajima for a non-roster invite to spring training. Once a staple of the Boston bullpen, he spent most of last year in triple-A for the Red Sox. The Yankees envision him as a possible lefty specialist.

NEW YORK — A person familiar with the negotiations says 6-foot-10 pitching prospect Andrew Brackman has agreed to a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the agreement had not been announced.

Brackman, let go by the New York Yankees, would be paid $500,000 if he’s in the major leagues, The 26-year-old would get $480,000 if he’s in the minors.

New York signed the right-hander for a $3.35 million bonus in 2007, knowing he likely would need elbow ligament-replacement surgery. He made his major league debut on Sept. 22 this year and had three appearances, all against Tampa Bay. He allowed one hit and three walks in 2 1-3 scoreless innings.

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NEW YORK (AP)—A person familiar with the negotiations says 6-foot-10
pitching prospect Andrew Brackman has agreed to a one-year contract with the
Cincinnati Reds.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the agreement had
not been announced.

Brackman, let go by the New York Yankees, would be paid $500,000 if he’s in
the major leagues, The 26-year-old would get $480,000 if he’s in the minors.

New York signed the right-hander for a $3.35 million bonus in 2007, knowing
he likely would need elbow ligament-replacement surgery. He made his major
league debut on Sept. 22 this year and had three appearances, all against Tampa
Bay. He allowed one hit and three walks in 2 1-3 scoreless innings.

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees have signed right-handed pitcher Freddy Garcia to a one-year contract.

The 35-year-old Garcia went 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA in 26 appearances in his first season with the Yankees in 2011.

Last season Garcia matched his win total from 2010 with the Chicago White Sox and completed his first back-to-back 12-win seasons since a six-season stretch from 2001-06.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated outfielder Colin Curtis for assignment.