Jul 24, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (30) pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Free-agent pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is not expected to pitch this season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, but he and the Tampa Bay Rays nonetheless agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal, multiple media outlets reported Sunday.
A key component of the deal, considering Eovaldi’s health status, is that it includes a club option for the 2018 season.
Eovaldi, a right-hander who turns 27 on Monday, spent the past two seasons with the New York Yankees.
Last season, Eovaldi was 9-8 with a 4.76 ERA in 24 appearances, including 21 starts. In his six years in the major leagues, Eovaldi is 38-46 with a 4.12 ERA.
Elbow injuries ended his 2016 season in August, and he needed surgery on his pitching elbow to repair a torn flexor tendon and partially torn ulnar collateral ligament.
The Rays are expected to put Eovaldi on the 40-man roster and then move him to the 60-day disabled list.
Earlier, Tampa Bay signed free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos, who is recovering after tearing the ACL in his right knee for the second time. Ramos may not play until June.
