Free-agent outfielder Juan Rivera is returning to the Los Angeles Angels on a $12.75 million, three-year contract, the team announced Friday.
Rivera, 30, is a career .284 hitter with 72 homers in eight seasons with the New York Yankees, Montreal Expos and the Angels. He hit .246 with 12 homers in 256 at-bats for the Angels last season.
With Rivera back in the fold and the team still pursuing Mark Teixeira, a source with knowledge of the Angels' thinking said it's a "stretch" to envision the team being interested in free agent Manny Ramirez.
The Angels now have Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Gary Matthews Jr., Rivera and Reggie Willits in their outfield picture in 2009.
All 12 of Rivera's homers came in a span of 58 games after July 2. He also was the Angels' top pinch hitter with five hits in 14 at-bats and five RBIs, including two game-winners.
Jerry Crasnick is a senior baseball writer for ESPN.com. The Associated Press contributed to this story.