Phils Officially Ink Cuban Righty

CHICAGO — The Phillies announced on Friday that they have signed 26-year-old Cuban right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez to a three-year, $12 million contract.

The agreement includes a vesting/club option for 2017, as well as a signing bonus and performance bonuses.

The Phillies initially agreed to a six-year, $48 million contract with Gonzalez on July 27, but the deal reportedly fell through because the club was concerned with the health of Gonzalez’s right elbow. Gonzalez recently had bone spurs removed from his elbow.

Gonzalez pitched for the Cuban National Team in the World Cup in 2009 and ’11, posting a 3-1 record and a 2.91 ERA across seven appearances (six starts). He struck out 36 batters in 34 innings and allowed 31 baserunners.

Gonzalez will report to the Phillies’ Spring Training complex in Clearwater, Fla. Left-hander John Lannan has been placed on the 60-day disabled list to make room for Gonzalez on the 40-man roster.

“We are very pleased to have come to an agreement with Miguel,” Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. “He is someone our scouts have followed for several years, and in our most recent observations of him, he showed tremendous stuff. We are hopeful he will pitch out of our starting rotation for 2014 and beyond.”

Amaro added in a news conference that Gonzalez will not be called up to the Majors in September, but the GM is looking forward to getting Gonzalez started within the organization.

“It’s important just to get him into our program,” Amaro said. “If I see how he’s doing, [I’ll] see whether it makes some sense for him to throw some innings later on in winter ball.”