Reds sign LHP Paul Maholm to a minor-league deal

The Reds have signed veteran left-hander Paul Maholm to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, the club announced on Sunday.

Maholm, 32, pitched for the Dodgers last season, going 1-5 with a 4.84 ERA in seven starts and eight total games. His season ended last August when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee covering first base.

In 10 years in the big leagues with the Pirates, Cubs, Braves and Dodgers, Maholm is 77-100 with a 4.30 ERA.

In 14 career appearances (and 12 starts) at Great American Ball Park, Maholm is 2-3 with a 4.38 ERA.

The Reds are searching for depth in the rotation, with just three spots certain going into spring training later this month in Arizona. After Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey and Mike Leake, the team has two spots in the rotation up for grabs.

Maholm is the latest veteran signed by the team to a minor-league deal, following Jason Marquis, signed last month. Reds manager Bryan Price has said he expects left-hander Tony Cingrani and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani to be the front-runners to win the spot, but they will also be challenged by lefty David Holmberg and right-hander Raisel Iglesias.

Reds pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 18, with first workouts the following day.