Reds ink Ohlendorf

Published 11:37 am Sunday, March 27, 2016

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds and veteran right-handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf have agreed to a one-year, $800,000 major league contract.

Ohlendorf was released by Kansas City on Wednesday after making eight appearances. He pitched nine innings, allowing six runs on nine hits and three walks. Ohlendorf had 10 strikeouts.

The 33-year-old has played nine full seasons in the majors. He has 80 career starts and 65 relief appearances.

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The deal is laden with incentives. He can earn $75,000 each for 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 games pitched. There’s a $50,000 bonus for 25 games finished, $100,000 for 30 and 35 games finished. Often injured, he would get $50,000 for spending 50 days on the active roster, and $75,000 each for 75 and 100 days.

Last season, Ohlendorf pitched for Texas and was used in late relief situations, finishing six games. He earned his only career save for the Rangers.

Ohlendorf has a lifetime 25-34 record with a 4.84 ERA.

A fourth-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, Ohlendorf made his debut with the New York Yankees in 2007.

The Reds have several injuries on a young pitching staff.