Ervin SantanaKISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Atlanta Braves agreed Wednesday on a one-year contract with right-hander Ervin Santana, bolstering their injury plagued starting rotation.
The 33-year-old Santana went 9-10 with a 3.24 ERA in 32 starts for the Kansas City Royals last season and should make an immediate impact with the battered Braves, who are facing the prospect of opening the season with Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor on the disabled list.
Medlen, who had been named as Atlanta’s opening-day starter, left a spring training start on Sunday after grabbing his right elbow. Initial tests showed ligament damage, and he is undergoing further examination to determine if he needs surgery for the second time in less than four years.
Beachy left a start Monday because of continuing problems with his right elbow, and Minor has yet to pitch this spring because of a sore shoulder.
Santana will be pitching in the National League for the first time in his 10-year career. He spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before being traded to the Royals in 2013, helping Kansas City post an 86-76 record, their best since 1989.