Cincinnati Reds: Bronson Arroyo passes physical, Desmond Jennings deal close

Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Bronson Arroyo hasn't thrown a big-league pitch in two years, but he wants another shot at it.

One of his former teams, the Cincinnati Reds, plans to give him that shot. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Arroyo told the Reds he would pitch for any salary.

"I basically told the organization I'd pitch for whatever they put on a piece of paper," Arroyo told the Enquirer. "I don't want to go another year of haggling over money then not be able to deliver the goods, because to be honest with you, I don't know that I can."

The 39-year-old passed his physical Thursday and will sign a minor-league deal with the team, according to reports. The terms of the deal are currently unknown.

Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reported that a deal to bring Arroyo back to the Reds was "likely." ESPN's Buster Olney reported last month that the Reds watched the right-hander throw and both sides appeared interested in a reunion. Shoulder and elbow injuries allowed Arroyo to make just two minor league starts in the last two seasons. Arroyo pitched for the Reds from 2006 to 2013.

Arroyo, who turns 40 this month, had Tommy John surgery in 2014 and tore his rotator cuff last year in spring training. Dr. James Andrews performed a stem cell procedure on Arroyo in November.

The wavy-haired pitcher known for his high leg kick was an All-Star in 2006, starting a league-high 35 games and pitching a league-leading 240.2 innings. He went 14-11 that season, with a 3.29 ERA. Arroyo, a World Series champ in 2004, owns a 4.19 ERA and owns a 145-131 record in 2,364.2 career innings pitched. He has twice led baseball in home runs allowed during his 15-year career.

JENNINGS COULD SIGN BY FRIDAY

Cotillo also reported Thursday that the Reds are close to signing a deal with free agent outfielder Desmond Jennings. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Jennings is close to signing with a new team, after dealing with knee issues.

"DJ is healthy and could be signing with a team by the end of the week,'' Mike Fiore, VP of The Boras Corp. told the Times. "He wants to play and is looking forward to having a good year.''

Jennings, 30, appeared in 93 games and made more than $6 million in the last two seasons. He owns a.245 batting average, with 55 career home runs. Jennings played his first seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, before being released in August.