Phillies sign Cuban pitcher

[July 27, 2013]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A person familiar with the deal says the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a contract with Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.

Gonzalez defected to Mexico earlier this year and worked out for scouts in Tijuana. His deal reportedly is worth $60 million over six years, which would make him the highest paid international player.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday night because the Phillies haven't made an announcement.

A hard-throwing righty, the 26-year-old Gonzalez has a fastball that reached the upper 90s.

The Phillies have lost a season-worst six straight games and are falling rapidly out of postseason contention.

Yahoo Sports first reported the Gonzalez deal.

[Associated Press; By ROB MAADDI]

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