Major League Baseball

Nationals sign top pick, high school RHP Giolito

Published Jul. 13, 2012 6:49 p.m. ET

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The Washington Nationals have signed their top draft pick, high school pitcher Lucas Giolito, the 16th overall selection.

Giolito will receive $2,925,000. $800,000 above the value slotted for the pick under baseball's new labor contract. Giolito sprained a ligament in his right elbow in March, which likely caused him to drop in the first round.

The right-hander 6-foot-6, 230-pound went 9-1 with 78 strikeouts and a 1.00 ERA in 70 1-3 innings as a senior at Harvard-Westlake School in California.

Washington says Giolito ''possesses a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and has touched triple digits on occasion, but it is his curve ball that sets his talents apart.''

The Nationals agreed to terms with 29 players selected in the draft, including their top 14 picks.

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