AP source: Santana, White Sox agree to minor league deal

Ervin Santana
Ervin Santana 0154 of the Minnesota Twins throws a first inning pitch while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 10, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
Gregory Shamus | Getty Images

The Chicago White Sox have added another option to their competition for an opening in their rotation, agreeing to a minor league contract with veteran right-hander Ervin Santana on Friday.

A person familiar with the situation confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement is pending a successful physical. If added to the 40-man roster, Santana would get a one-year contract paying $4.3 million while in the major leagues.

Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez, Ivan Nova, and Lucas Giolito are projected for Chicago's rotation, and Santana joins a group competing for the fifth spot that also includes Manny Banuelos and Dylan Covey.

Santana made just five appearances with Minnesota last season after he had surgery on his right middle finger two weeks before spring training. The Twins declined Santana's $14 million option in October and paid him a $1 million buyout.

Over the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Santana went 23-19 in 63 starts with a 3.32 ERA, seven complete games and four shutouts.

The 36-year-old Santana broke into the majors in 2005 with the Los Angeles Angels. The two-time All-Star is 149-125 with a 4.06 ERA in 384 career games with the Angels, Royals, Braves and Twins.

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