Sports Briefs

BASEBALL

Orioles reach terms with Taiwanese lefty Chen

BALTIMORE — Taiwanese left-hander Wei-yin Chen and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a three-year contract worth $11,338,000, a move aimed at improving a starting rotation that struggled last year.

Chen, 26, went 36-30 with a 2.48 ERA in 117 games, including 88 starts, over the past four seasons with the Chunichi Dragons of the Japan's Central League. He will become the first Orioles player born in Taiwan.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette says Chen has “exceptional command” with a 92 to 94 mph fastball and a hard breaking ball as his “out pitch.”

Maholm, Cubs agree on one-year contract

CHICAGO — Paul Maholm sees no reason the Chicago Cubs can’t win, even though they haven’t done much of that lately.

The Cubs agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees the left-hander $4.75 million and should add depth to their starting rotation.

Maholm, 29, made 26 starts for Pittsburgh last season, going 6-14 despite a 3.66 ERA, before shutting it down because of a left shoulder strain. He was 53-73 over seven seasons with the Pirates.

Maholm said the shoulder shouldn’t be an issue. He’s been long tossing and plans to start bullpen sessions next week.

• All-Star second baseman Howie Kendrick agreed to a four-year, $33.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, passing up a chance to hit the free agent market after next season. Kendrick, 28, batted .285 with a career-best 18 homers and 63 RBI. He committed just four errors in 140 games last season.

GOLF

New course, date for D.C. area’s Nationwide Tour stop

The Washington area’s Nationwide Tour stop is on the move.

Tournament officials announced Tuesday the rechristened Neediest Kids Championship will be played Oct. 1-7 at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm.

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