Advertisement

Kansas City to add Jason Hammel to rotation

Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 19, 2016.
Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 19, 2016.
(Mike McGinnis / Getty Images)
Share

The Kansas City Royals, in an attempt to fill the gaping hole in their starting rotation left by the unexpected death of Yordano Ventura, have agreed with right-hander Jason Hammel on a $16-million, two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Associated Press.

The 34-year-old Hammel is expected to take Ventura’s place in the starting rotation. The 25-year-old flamethrower was killed last month in a car accident in his native Dominican Republic.

Hammel was 15-10 with a 3.83 ERA for the World Series champion Chicago Cubs last season and has proved to be a workhorse with at least 30 appearances in each of the last three seasons.

Advertisement
Advertisement