Report: Nationals agree to minor-league deal with Hellickson

The Washington Nationals appear to have added a veteran option to the back-end of their starting rotation.

Washington has agreed to a minor-league deal with 30-year-old right-hander Jeremy Hellickson, according to sources of ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Hellickson will be a non-roster invite to spring training.

Hellickson had a down year with the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles in 2017, which included a 5.43 ERA and 1.26 WHIP during 30 starts.

Washington appeared to be heading into the regular season with 26-year-old A.J. Cole in the fifth spot of its rotation, but the young right-hander only has 17 big-league starts to his credit, so Hellickson provides the Nationals with some insurance.

Nationals projected rotation

In 2016, Hellickson pitched well enough (3.71 ERA, 3.98 FIP) to earn a $17.2-million qualifying offer from the Phillies, which he accepted prior to the beginning of last season.

He was traded to the Orioles at last July's deadline and struggled in his return to the AL East posting a 6.97 ERA in 10 starts.

The Nationals will be Hellickson's fifth franchise since he joined the big leagues in 2010. He's played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phillies, and Orioles.