Twins sign pitcher Nolasco

Published 10:25 am Wednesday, December 4, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have finalized a $49 million, four-year contract with right-hander Ricky Nolasco, an expensive first step toward restoring a ragged rotation.

The deal was announced Tuesday at Target Field, six days after the 30-year-old agreed to terms. The contract includes a club option for 2018 that could become guaranteed.

Nolasco made 33 starts last season for the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers, going 13-11 with a 3.70 ERA over 199 1-3 innings with 165 strikeouts and 46 walks. He’ll move immediately to the front of Minnesota’s starting staff, which had a majors-worst 5.26 ERA this year.

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Over the last six seasons, Nolasco was tied for fourth in the NL with 77 wins.