MLB roundup: Elbow concerns hold up Hernandez deal

The Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians signed pitchers on Sunday, but there is a holdup regarding the Seattle Mariners' deal with right-handed ace Felix Hernandez.

The Mariners are no closer to completing a seven-year, $175 million contract extension for Hernandez because of concerns with the condition of his throwing elbow, ESPN reported Sunday.

Hernandez is skipping the World Baseball Classic, mainly because of the pending record-setting deal, according to CBS Sports. Hernandez is listed on Venezuela's provisional roster.

It has not been reported what the exact nature of the concern is over Hernandez's elbow.

The Mariners could protect themselves by stipulating medical exceptions in the contract, much like the New York Yankees did when they signed ace CC Sabathia to an extension late in 2011.

Hernandez still has two years left on his contract with the Mariners.

---The Orioles reached one-year contracts with All-Star closer Jim Johnson and pitcher Jason Hammel prior to arbitration hearings, according to multiple reports.

Also, the team is close to a two-year, $5.8 million deal with right-hander Darren O'Day to avoid arbitration.

Johnson will make $6.5 million, and Hammel will get $6.75 million. Johnson was 2-1 with a 2.49 ERAlast season while winning the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award. Hammel went 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 20 starts in 2012.

--The Indians signed right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka to a minor league contract, CBS Sports reported Sunday. Matsuzaka can earn up to $4 million if he makes the major league club, according to the report. Matsuzaka made just 11 starts last year for Boston after having Tommy John surgery in 2011. He went 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA in 2012.

---The Reds signed veteran pitcher Armando Galarraga to a minor-league contract, the team announced Sunday.

Galarraga nearly threw a perfect game with the Tigers in 2010, only to have umpire Jim Joyce incorrectly rule a runner safe on what would have been the 27th out. The 31-year-old right-hander was with Houston last season, compiling an 0-4 record with a 6.75 ERA in five starts.

---The Chicago Cubs announced they designated outfielder Tony Campana for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Scott Hairston.

Hairston was signed to a two-year contract in late January, but the Cubs could not officially add him to the roster without making a corresponding move.