The Baltimore Orioles, still looking to shore up their pitching depth, are nearing a minor league deal with former two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana, MASNSports.com reports.
Santana, who stopped by the Orioles' spring training complex in Sarasota, Fla., today, hasn't pitched since an aborted 2012 season with the New York Mets. He is recovering from the second of two shoulder surgeries and isn't expected to be ready until midseason.
It has been a long, slow recovery for Santana, who turns 35 this month.
Santana bombed out with the Mets, who trade four young players to get him and then locked him into a six-year, $137.5 million contract. Because of his shoulder injuries the Mets bought him out in the offseason.
In 12 major league seasons, Santana is 139-78 with a 3.20 ERA. The Orioles probably would send him to their minor league camp.