By WFAN.com
The Mets added some starting pitching depth Friday by agreeing to terms on a minor league contract with veteran right-hander Ervin Santana.
Santana, 36, became a free agent after the Chicago White Sox designated him for assignment last month. In three starts for the White Sox, he was 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA.
The signing is pending a physical. Santana would first report to the Mets' training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Just two years ago, Santana was a 16-game winner and an All-Star with the Minnesota Twins. An array of injuries -- which included undergoing finger surgery -- limited him to just five starts with the Twins in 2018.
Santana has spent 15 seasons in the majors, also pitching for the Angels, Royals and Braves. For his career, he's 149-127 with a 4.09 ERA and 1,926 strikeouts. He is a two-time All-Star.
The lack of depth in the Mets' rotation became obvious earlier this month when Jason Vargas was sent to the injured list with a hamstring issue, prompting the team to trade with the Tampa Bay Rays' for Wilmer Font, who has a 7.84 ERA through three starts. Vargas is slated to return Saturday, but the addition of Santana gives the Mets another option should a starter get hurt or struggle.
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