Beachy's agent: 'Brandon has decided not to sign a contract at this time'

Brandon Beachy's return from a second Tommy John surgery has been delayed.

The right-hander's agent, Rob Martin, informed Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that his client has decided to continue to rehab his arm before agreeing to any deal.

"Brandon has decided not to sign a contract at this time," Martin said. "With each day his arm is getting stronger and he’s feeling even more confident about his progress. Thus, he is going to continue with his throwing program and make a decision closer to spring training."

Beachy had spent his entire four-year career with the Atlanta Braves before they decided to non-tender him in December. The team reportedly had interest in a reunion with the 28-year-old, but those talks have ended.

As would be the case with any player who's undergone multiple major surgeries so early in their careers, Beachy's main problem has been his ability to stay healthy. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2008, he's logged 267 2/3 innings over the past five years and hasn't pitched in the majors since 2013.

In 46 career starts, Beachy owns a 14-11 record and 3.23 ERA.

His decision to delay signing likely is a move to try to increase his arm strength in order to hopefully land a guaranteed contract.

Josh Johnson, who is also coming of his second Tommy John surgery, signed an incentive laden one-year, $1-million deal with the San Diego Padres earlier in the offseason - though his resume is much more extensive than Beachy's.