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Kansas City to add Jason Hammel to rotation

Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 19, 2016.
Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 19, 2016.
(Mike McGinnis / Getty Images)
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The Kansas City Royals, in an attempt to fill the gaping hole in their starting rotation left by the unexpected death of Yordano Ventura, have agreed with right-hander Jason Hammel on a $16-million, two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Associated Press.

The 34-year-old Hammel is expected to take Ventura’s place in the starting rotation. The 25-year-old flamethrower was killed last month in a car accident in his native Dominican Republic.

Hammel was 15-10 with a 3.83 ERA for the World Series champion Chicago Cubs last season and has proved to be a workhorse with at least 30 appearances in each of the last three seasons.

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