OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Rich Harden is rejoining his first major league team.
The right-hander and the Oakland Athletics agreed to terms on a one-year contract after he passed a physical. The team made the announcement Tuesday after the parties had agreed in principle to the deal last week.
Harden went 5-5 with a 5.58 ERA in 20 appearances and 18 starts last season for the AL champion Texas Rangers. But he was designated for assignment after the regular season to give him his unconditional release after he struggled with injuries and control.
Harden, who began the season as the Rangers’ No. 2 starter, walked 62 batters in 92 innings. He is expected to be used out of the bullpen by A’s manager Bob Geren, who has a formidable starting rotation heading into 2011.
