Hot Stove roundup: Padres roll dice on JJ
Former Rangers outfielder Murphy agrees to two-year deal with Tribe
The Padres agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with two-time All-Star right-hander Josh Johnson on Tuesday night.
San Diego's starters ranked 23rd in the Majors with a 4.31 ERA last season. The 29-year-old Johnson, who posted a 6.20 ERA in an injury-ridden year with the Blue Jays, provides upside and experience on a staff that also includes Ian Kennedy, Andrew Cashner, Eric Stults and Tyson Ross.
In the five years prior to Johnson's rough 2013, he averaged 146 innings with a 3.06 ERA. If Johnson makes fewer than seven starts in 2014, the Padres will have a $4 million option for '15.
While the Padres made a splash on Tuesday, here's a look at some other action around the Majors:
• The Indians came to terms with former Rangers outfielder David Murphy on a two-year, $10 million contract. Murphy, 32, hit .275 over the last seven years with the Rangers.
• According to Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, the Giants are close to re-signing lefty reliever Javier Lopez. The 36-year-old posted a 1.83 ERA in 39 1/3 innings, striking out 37 while walking 12. He held lefties to a .156 average.
• Duke Welker spent less than two months with the Minnesota Twins before being sent back to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday afternoon. Welker, a 27-year-old right-hander who was acquired by the Twins on Oct. 5, completing the deal that sent Justin Morneau to the Pirates for Alex Presley, was swapped for 29-year-old right-hander Kris Johnson. Johnson is expected to remain a starter with the Twins.
• The Red Sox are engaged in "serious dialogue" with Carlos Beltran, according to The Boston Herald. Beltran could play one of the corner outfield spots in Boston if Shane Victorino were to move to center field to take over for free agent Jacoby Ellsbury.
• Corey Hart, who missed the 2013 season due to knee surgeries, told SiriusXM his agent has talked with the Red Sox, Rays, Brewers and Rockies, along with a few others. Hart said he wouldn't receive full medical clearance until Dec. 3, but he believes he is 100 percent healthy.
• The Nationals re-signed former Padres pitcher Chris Young to a Minor League deal, MLB.com's Bill Ladson reported. Young, 34, spent last year in the Nationals' organization but was sidelined for most of the season.
• The Phillies signed former Rays utility infielder Reid Brignac to a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training. Brignac, 28, hit .185 in limited action with the Rockies and Yankees last season. He's played second base, third, shortstop and some outfield in the Majors.