Free agent pitcher Aaron Harang to sign with Atlanta Braves

Mar 16, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Aaron Harang (54) pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Update: The deal is now official.

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Just hours after the team parted ways with 37-year-old pitcher Freddy Garcia, there is a report circulating that the team has made an agreement to sign free agent right-hander Aaron Harang.

The 35-year-old Harang was let go by the Cleveland Indians on Monday morning after failing to make their Opening Day roster, but at times during his career, he has been a quality Major League arm. Harang was able to garner three straight seasons with a 4.0 fWAR or better while with the Reds in the mid-2000’s, but since that time, his career has been marred by injuries.

In 2013, the veteran right-hander threw 143.1 innings between two organizations, but his ERA was an unimpressive 5.40, and he was virtually replacement level. Still, he has been able to eat innings in a variety of places, and the most important thing to distinguish Harang from the recently departed Garcia is that Harang would seemingly be coming in for the veteran’s minimum, rather than paying the $1.5 million due to Garcia if he made the Opening Day roster.

It is important to note that the Braves are under no obligation to give Harang starts once the rest of the starters return from injury (Minor, Floyd) or get up to speed (Santana), but in the meantime, Frank Wren has apparently made an insurance acquisition in the form of Aaron Harang. We will update you with additional information as it becomes available.