MIAMI — The Florida Marlins may have a starting pitcher for Game 2 in their new ballpark.
Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco has agreed to a $26.5 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations said Monday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract won’t become final until Nolasco passes a physical.
Nolasco gets $6 million next season, $9 million in 2012 and $11.5 million in 2013.
Nolasco made $3.8 million last season, when he went 14-9 with a 4.51 ERA. He missed the final month after undergoing arthroscopic right knee surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
Rockies sign pitcher Buckner.
The Rockies added to their organizational pitching depth by signing free-agent right-hander Billy Buckner to a minor- league contract.
Buckner, 27, is 6-11 with a 6.25 ERA in parts of four major-league seasons. He received an invitation to the major-league camp at spring training, but figures to land at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Buckner came up with Kansas City in 2007 before being traded to Arizona for Alberto Callaspo. He was dealt to Detroit last season for Dontrelle Willis, but was later released by the Tigers.
Buckner’s best season came in 2009, when he finished 4-6, 6.40 in 13 starts for the D-backs. He could get a look as a reliever too since he has made 15 relief appearances among his 36 major-league outings.
Jim Armstrong, The Denver Post
Footnotes.
Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg said his rehabilitation is “on track” and he hopes to start throwing a few weeks before spring training.
• Reliever Jesse Crain of Boulder and the Chicago White Sox finalized a $13 million, three-year contract.
• Outfielder Rick Ankiel and the Nationals agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract.
The Associated Press
