Colby Lewis, who missed the entire 2013 season because of injuries, has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Rangers for the 2014 season.
Lewis will go to spring training with the Rangers. The split deal for Lewis is worth $2 million with a chance for him to earn another $4 million in incentives.
Lewis, 34, opened the 2013 season on the disabled list while recovering from flexor tendon surgery on his right elbow. He was slowed in his rehab process by a sore right hip that eventually led to him undergoing right hip resurfacing surgery Aug. 22 in New York.
He's expected to be able to play long toss by the time the Rangers report to Arizona in February. He has not starting a throwing program yet.
"We're extremely excited," Texas assistant general manager Thad Levine said. "He has been such a big part of this franchise over the past few years. He is such a great competitor but beyond that he is a huge presence in our clubhouse. Hopefully he can recover from this last surgery and be a big part of our 2014 season."
Lewis will likely be competing for the one remaining rotation spot as Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Martin Perez and Matt Harrison appear to have the top four spots locked up. Harrison, who had a pair of back surgeries during the season as well as surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome on his right shoulder, is progressing well in his rehab
Lewis has been with the Rangers since 2010. He's 32-29 in his second stint with Texas but hasn't pitched in the majors since July 18, 2012.
While he's eager to return, Levine said the club won't rush his rehab.
"He is (progressing well)," Levine said. "His feeling is he'll progress in a throwing program and be ready for spring training. But we're just going to take it step by step. He may end up being ready but it will be on his timetable."
