Reds sign RHP Gallardo to one-year deal
Right-handed pitcher Yovani Gallardo signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.
The 11-year veteran is 113-93 with a 3.93 ERA in his career with the Brewers (2007-14), Texas Rangers (2015), Baltimore Orioles (2016) and Seattle Mariners last season, where he finished a career-worst 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA.
Gallardo pitched exclusively from the starting rotation in every season but his first and last in the big leagues, appearing just nine times out of the bullpen in 298 career outings. From 2009-15 he was a reliable starting presence, racking up double-digits in wins six times in the seven-year span and going 93-60 with a 3.69 ERA. He made the National League All-Star team in 2010 and won a career-high 17 games in 2011.
Gallardo, 32, had inked a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers in December but was released after spring training.
"Our scouts liked what they saw, especially when he was throwing in those shorter stints, three-inning outings, which he did primarily for Milwaukee this spring and like his stuff," Reds manager Bryan Price said, per Cincinnati.com. "They liked him when he was in Seattle last year out of the bullpen.
"Really with some of changes that have happened over the course of the spring, losing (Michael) Lorenzen for a while, David Hernandez needing some time to get his shoulder back ready to pitch, another experienced pitcher in the bullpen seemed to be very appealing to the club."
The Reds optioned right-hander Zack Weiss to Triple-A Louisville. The team also designated Stuart Turner for assignment to make room for Gallardo on the 40-man roster.
--Field Level Media
