Diamondbacks sign Byrnes to large deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks and popular outfielder Eric Byrnes agreed Tuesday to a $30 million, three-year contract extension through 2010.

The deal comes after talks broke down last month and it appeared Byrnes, who is having the best season of his career, would leave as a free agent.

Byrnes is batting .303 with 17 homers, 64 RBIs, 21 doubles and 28 steals.

Benches clear

Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch from Toronto’s Josh Towers in the third inning at Toronto, leading to both benches and bullpens emptying onto the field twice.

Roger Clemens then hit Alex Rios in the middle of the back with his first pitch of the seventh, appearing to retaliate for Rodriguez getting hit. Clemens and Yankees manager Joe Torre were ejected by plate umpire Angel Hernandez.

No punches were thrown either time the benches cleared.

Clearing the bases

David Wells’ latest poor start will not cost him a spot in the Padres’ rotation. Manager Bud Black said Wells will keep his spot despite giving up 10 consecutive hits in a 10-run inning to St. Louis Monday. … Eleven months after he got his pitching elbow rebuilt, veteran lefty Eddie Guardado was activated by the Cincinnati Reds. … Shortstop Royce Clayton was released by the Blue Jays. … Major League Baseball plans to hold its first academy in China, inviting 60 players for instruction in Wuxi through Aug. 26. … Former Arizona manager Wally Backman resigned as manager of the South Georgia Peanuts after run-ins with umpires and various suspensions totaling 14 games.