WASHINGTON -- The Marlins have reached an agreement with Vance Worley on a Minor League contract. Once finalized, the 29-year-old will join the rotation at Triple-A New Orleans.
According to multiple sources, Worley's deal is pending completion of his physical. The right-hander provides organizational depth with big league experience, and he can either start or be used in long relief.
Released by the Nationals on March 29, Worley has appeared in 139 MLB games with 85 starts. With Washington in Spring Training, Worley threw 15 Grapefruit League innings with a 4.80 ERA.
In terms of service time, Worley is second-year arbitration eligible and projects to qualify for free agency in 2019.
Worley is coming off a strong 2016 season with the Orioles, where he posted a 3.53 ERA in 35 games with four starts. The right-hander threw 86 2/3 innings, striking out 56 while walking 35.
A third-round Draft pick by the Phillies in '08, Worley broke in with Philadelphia in '10, and he has spent seven seasons in the big leagues. In 2011, the right-hander finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting. He was also part of the Phillies' rotation in 2012, making 23 starts while going 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA.
The rotation at New Orleans projects to have Worley, Justin Nicolino, Severino Gonzalez, Scott Copeland and Stephen Fife. Left-hander Kelvin Marte is another option.