Reds sign Maholm to Minor League deal

CINCINNATI -- The Reds announced on Sunday that they have signed left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm to a Minor League contract and invited him to big league camp for Spring Training.

Maholm was 1-5 with a 4.84 ERA in 30 games for the Dodgers in 2014, including eight starts. He walked 28 and struck out 34 over 70 2/3 innings, in a campaign shortened by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that required surgery in August.

During his 10-year career that began in 2005, Maholm has also pitched for the Pirates, Braves and Cubs. Primarily a starting pitcher until last season, the 32-year-old is 77-100 with a 4.30 ERA in 273 games, including 250 starts.

Maholm was signed to compete for a rotation spot, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said, but could also be used out of the bullpen. Maholm is the second veteran pitcher signed by Cincinnati in the past two weeks to a Minor League deal. Righty Jason Marquis was signed on Jan. 21, and will also compete for a rotation spot.

When Reds pitchers and catchers report to camp on Feb. 18, there will be two rotation spots up for grabs. Tony Cingrani and Anthony DeSclafani are viewed as the leading candidates, but will be challenged by Maholm, Marquis, Cuban right-hander Raisel Iglesias, Dylan Axelrod and lefty David Holmberg.

If Maholm ends up in the bullpen, it could provide added left-handed depth for the Reds, who already have Manny Parra and Sean Marshall on the 40-man roster and Jose Mijares as a non-roster invitee. Marshall is still trying to return from left shoulder surgery, however.