The Kansas City Royals have agreed to terms with Felipe Paulino on a one-year deal worth $1.75 million, according to Dick Kaegel of MLB.com. The deal avoids the need for arbitration, for which Paulino was eligible for the third and final time.
Paulino began his career with the Houston Astros, but was traded to the Colorado Rockies prior to the 2011 season in exchange for infielder Clint Barmes. He was then purchased by the Royals from the Rockies in May of 2011.
Paulino pitched as a serviceable back-end starter for the remainder of the 2011 season, posting a 4.11 ERA in 20 starts. He began the 2012 season throwing very well, notching a 1.67 ERA in seven starts, but was placed on the disabled list on June 9 with a sore elbow. A few weeks later, he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn UCL.
Paulino is not expected to be fully recovered in time to begin the season, but he will join the Royals' rotation eventually. They are likely still looking for more starting pitching in the wake of acquiring Ervin Santana and signing Jeremy Guthrie.