Mariners Sign Veteran Pitcher Chris Young

The Seattle Mariners have signed right-handed starter Chris Young to a major league deal for the 2014 season in the hopes of solidifying the back end of the rotation.

Seattle signed Young on Thursday and designated for assignment left-handed reliever Bobby LaFromboise to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Young had been in spring training with Washington, making two starts and giving up four earned runs in 10 1-3 innings pitched.

Young spent last season in the Nationals minor league system as he struggled with troubles in his pitching shoulder.

Young, 34, has spent nine seasons in the majors with the New York Mets, San Diego and Texas.

The back of Seattle's rotation has been a concern during spring training because of injuries to Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker.