Dodgers sign Cuban pitcher Pablo Fernandez
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Cuban right-handed pitcher Pablo Milan Fernandez to a minor league contract, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
MLB.com confirmed the signing, and the deal's $8 million value, on Monday morning, though the team has not made an announcement. Fernandez also received interest from the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers, according to Sanchez.
Fernandez, a 25-year-old from Cuba, throws a fastball, a curve ball, a slider and a change up, as well as a knuckle ball. He will shift from reliever to starting pitcher when he joins Los Angeles.
• Justin Verlander blames coddling for recent injuries to pitchers
Fernandez has residency in Haiti and trains in the Dominican Republic. Due to his age and experience, his signing does not fall under MLB's international signing guidelines.
The Dodgers finished last season with a 94-68 record and in first place in the NL West, but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Divisional Series, three games to one. Los Angeles will open the 2015 season at home against the Padres on April 6.
- Christopher Woody
