NEW YORK — Pitcher Chien-Ming Wang and the Nationals on Tuesday reached an agreement on a $2 million, one-year contract.
The deal includes the chance to earn $3 million in performance bonuses.
Wang, a right-hander who turns 30 on March 31, had spent his five-year major-league career with the Yankees, who allowed him to become a free agent in December.
He made $5 million last year, when he was 1-6 with a 9.64 ERA and his season was cut short by shoulder surgery July 29. He is not expected to be able to pitch until sometime between April and June.
Wang was a 19-game winner in 2006 and 2007, starting New York’s postseason openers in both years, but his career was sidetracked when he severely injured his right foot while running the bases at Houston on June 15, 2008.
Also, Nationals reliever Brian Bruney asked an arbitration panel for a raise from $1.25 million to $1.85 million. The team countered he should be paid $1.5 million. A decision is expected today, when Bruney turns 28. Bruney was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 appearances last season.
Jurrjens to have MRI
ATLANTA — Braves right-hander Jair Jurrjens, who went 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA last year, is scheduled to undergo a scan today to determine the cause of soreness in his pitching shoulder.
General manager Frank Wren said the scan is precautionary and Jurrjens could return to the team’s spring training facility after the exam “if everything is OK.”
McGwire ready for duty
JUPITER, Fla. — Mark Mc- Gwire, the most controversial batting instructor in the major leagues, could be on the field as early as today, the date for pitchers and catchers to report for St. Louis.
McGwire’s return to baseball comes just over a month after admitting to steroids use during his dramatic power surge in the 1990s.
Bench coach Joe Pettini said simply: “I hope we don’t have to put him on display.”
Lights, camera . . . cut!
BALTIMORE — Orioles right-hander Brad Bergesen will be slowed at the start of spring training after hurting his shoulder while filming a promotional spot in December. Bergesen strained his right shoulder while performing in a commercial promoting Baltimore’s 2010 season. He will see limited action for a week to 10 days.
Ross wins arbitration
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Outfielder Cody Ross beat the Marlins in salary arbitration and will make $4.45 million rather than the team’s offer of $4.2 million. The Associated Press
