Phillies sign Carlos Zambrano to a minor-league deal

Carlos Zambrano is joining the Phillies on a minor-league deal. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Phillies and veteran pitcher Carlos Zambrano have agreed to terms on a minor league contract, according to multiple reports. Zambrano had recently agreed to a contract with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League but had held out on signing the contract in hopes of finding a Major League deal.

The 31-year-old right-hander spent last season with the Miami Marlins where he went 7-10 with a 4.49 ERA over 132.1 innings. Zambrano started the year in the Marlins rotation before being demoted to the bullpen in July.

Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. had dismissed reports that Zambrano was heading to Philadelphia earlier in the month but injuries to Roy Halladay and John Lannan have left the Phillies shorthanded in the starting rotation.

Zambrano has a career 132-91 record with a 3.67 ERA and 1637 strikeouts over 12 big-league seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins.