Mariners sign right-hander Juan Nicasio to 2-year deal

News

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Juan Nicasio throws to a Pittsburgh Pirates batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The Cardinals won 4-3. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) Photo: Associated Press/Keith Srakocic

SEATTLE (AP) — The Mariners have signed reliever Juan Nicasio to a two-year contract, giving Seattle another hard-throwing arm out of its bullpen.

Seattle announced the signing on Tuesday after Nicasio completed a physical. The deal was agreed upon during the winter meetings last week in Florida. Seattle’s 40-man roster is now at 39.

Nicasio, 31, spent the 2017 season with three teams in the National League, posting a 2.61 ERA in 76 appearances. The appearances were a career high and tied for the most in the NL.

The right-hander spent most of the season with Pittsburgh before stints with Philadelphia (two games) and St. Louis (nine games). He was 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA and four saves in his nine appearances with the Cardinals.

Nicasio started his career with Colorado and pitched with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2015 season. While he struggled early in his career, Nicasio has posted a 2.70 ERA in his past 99 relief appearances.

___

More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Sports

Los Angeles Angels settles lawsuit with family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs over fatal overdose

The Los Angeles Angels reached a confidential settlement Friday in a lawsuit over the drug overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

2 days ago in Sports

LeBron James cites ‘Luka magic’ as Doncic has 45-point triple-double

LeBron James was in awe of "Luka magic" after Luka Doncic had 45 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in his fifth triple-double of the season in a 143-135 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.

2 days ago in Sports

Seahawks overcome 16-point deficit to stun Rams 38-37 in OT in NFC West showdown

Mike Macdonald was in no mood to play for a tie, and the Los Angeles Rams' defense had no interest in letting Sam Darnold connect with any of his top receiving options.

2 days ago in Sports

Tarik Skubal joins Paul Skenes on US World Baseball Classic pitching staff

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has agreed to pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a pitching staff that includes reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2 days ago in Sports

Timberwolves formalize a reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a plan to finally retire his No. 21 jersey

Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves announced on Thursday they've hired the Hall of Fame member and franchise icon as a team ambassador, with a plan to honor Garnett in a jersey-raising ceremony at Target Center on a future date.