LA Dodgers sign lefty pitcher Paul Maholm

In a move to add depth and insurance to the starting rotation, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm to a one-year contract.

With starting pitchers Chad Billingsley and Josh Beckett coming off surgery, Maholm is a strong candidate to secure the fifth spot in rotation, especially early in the season.

Maholm, 31, has posted double-digit victories in both of the last two seasons and has gone 76-95 with a 4.28 ERA in nine Major League seasons with the Pirates (2005-2011), Cubs (2012) and Braves (2012-13).

Since 2006, he ranks among the National League leaders in starts (236, 4th) and innings pitched (1444.1, 4th).  During the course of his career, Maholm has been especially tough against left-handed hitters, limiting lefties to a .225 batting average, a .287 on-base percentage, and a .318 slugging mark.

Last year with Atlanta, the Mississippi native won seven of his first 11 decisions and finished the season with a 10-11 record and a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts. Maholm allowed just nine extra-base hits to left-handed hitters, while holding lefties to a .226 batting average (35-for-155) with 35 strikeouts and just six walks.

To make room for Maholm on the 40-man roster, the club placed left-handed pitcher Scott Elbert on the 60-day disabled list.

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services