MILWAUKEE — The Brewers have gotten used to calling Yovani Gallardo their ace. Now he has a contract that keeps him in the fold with plenty of time to prove it.
Gallardo agreed Thursday to a $30.1 million, five-year deal that could be worth $42.5 million over six seasons. The agreement covers the right-hander’s arbitration-eligible years and the first season after he would have become a free agent.
“It hasn’t really settled into me yet, because I’m just that type of guy, I kind of try not to show too much emotion,” the 24-year-old Gallardo said. “But it’s great.”
Gallardo was Milwaukee’s opening-day starter against the Rockies on Monday and took the loss. But in many ways, he has long been the leader of the pitching staff by the example he sets.
“Having what we consider an ace of a staff, a No. 1 guy, tied up, it’s going to make the offseason (easier),” general manager Doug Melvin said. “In the offseason, you’re always trying to fill holes. With good health, this is one hole we don’t have to worry about for a few years.”
Lilly’s rehab start is pushed back
ATLANTA — Cubs left- hander Ted Lilly has delayed his rehabilitation start for Triple-A Iowa because of a stiff back.
Lilly is on the 15-day disabled list to open the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery. He was scheduled to start for Iowa on Friday but instead has been rescheduled to start on Sunday.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Lilly’s stiff back “is not a setback.”
Lilly was the Cubs’ only all-star last season when he was 12-9 with a career-best 3.10 ERA.
Saltalamacchia is put on DL
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Rangers placed catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the 15-day DL because of upper back stiffness.
Texas manager Ron Washington said Saltalamacchia hurt his back during Monday’s opener against Toronto, but tried to play through the discomfort.
Taylor Teagarden will become the everyday catcher, and Texas purchased the contract of Matt Treanor from Triple-A Oklahoma City to back him up.
Footnotes.
The Mariners brought up right-hander Jesus Colome from Triple-A Tacoma to give a boost to their already taxed bullpen. Mariners relievers worked 9 1/3 innings through the first three games of the season. Seattle also designated for assignment outfielder Ryan Langerhans.
• The Blue Jays scratched second baseman Aaron Hill from the lineup for their game against the Rangers because of a tight right hamstring.
• Rays right-hander Jeff Niemann left with one out in the second inning against the Orioles after being hit in the right shoulder by Miguel Tejada’s line drive.
• Braves third baseman Chipper Jones may miss a three-game series at San Francisco after straining his right oblique against the Cubs.
• Right-hander Andrew Carpenter has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley by the Phillies to make room on the roster for veteran reliever Nelson Figueroa.
• Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier was held out of the lineup against Pittsburgh because of soreness in his left ankle.
The Associated Press
