Bartolo Colon tossed eight innings of one-run ball Thursday in a 4-1 win over the Mariners in the second and final game of the Opening Series in Japan. Colon gave up just three hits in all and held the Mariners hitless until Jesus Montero singled with one out in the fifth inning. The only run scored on a solo homer by Justin Smoak in the seventh inning. Colon actually trailed going into the bottom of the seventh, but the A's offense put three runs on the board. The veteran right-hander fanned six and walked just one in the win. He could be a decent matchup play in mixed leagues this season.

Updating a previous item, Bartolo Colon (finger) will either pitch against the Mariners on Friday or in a simulated game. Athletics manager Bob Melvin clarified that Colon was scratched from Thursday's scheduled start due to a blister on his right middle finger. Either way, it's not a major concern, as the veteran right-hander is still scheduled to make his final tune-up start on March 21.

Bartolo Colon threw four innings of one-run ball in Saturday's Cactus League tilt with the Reds. Colon struck out four batters and did not issue a walk in the smooth outing. He looked rusty in his Cactus League debut earlier this week, allowing three runs on four hits in 2 2/3 innings. But the hefty righty appears to be back on the right track.

Bartolo Colon looked rusty in his exhibition debut for the A's on Monday, allowing three runs on four hits in 2 2/3 innings of Oakland's 8-7 win over the Cubs. He struck out one, walked none and served up a three-run bomb to Blake DeWitt in the second inning. Colon posted a tidy 1.93 ERA and 0.57 WHIP in 16 exhibition innings for the Yankees last year before going to revive his big-league career during the regular season.

Bartolo Colon's new one-year contract with the Athletics is worth $2 million. The Athletics officially announced the signing of Colon on Tuesday. The 38-year-old right-hander earned $900,000 with the Yankees last season while posting a 4.00 ERA and 135/40 K/BB ratio over 164 1/3 innings. He'll provide some stability to a rotation in transition and could be a potential trade chip for Billy Beane later in the year.

Athletics signed RHP Bartolo Colon to a one-year contract. The deal was agreed upon last week, then finalized on Tuesday after Colon passed his customary pre-signing physical. The 38-year-old right-hander posted a 4.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 164 1/3 innings for the Yankees in 2011. A's GM Billy Beane is probably hoping he'll develop into attractive mid-summer trade bait.

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports that the Athletics have signed free agent right-hander Bartolo Colon to a one-year deal, pending a physical. It was reported Saturday that Colon had a deal in place and that Oakland was his might likely landing spot, and Stark's report now confirms it. It's an odd move in one sense because the A's know they're not competing for a playoff spot in 2012 and already have a host of competitors for a rotation spot. But, general manager Billy Beane is likely hoping Colon will have a nice first half and he can deal him at the trade deadline. The veteran righty posted a 4.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 164 1/3 innings in 2011.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that free agent right-hander Bartolo Colon has reached a deal with an unknown team. Heyman isn't sure who the deal is with, but he knows it's not the Yankees or Diamondbacks. It was reported Saturday that the A's were in negotiations with him, so they're probably the best bet. Colon faded down the stretch in 2011 but still had a very nice year, holding a 4.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 164 1/3 innings.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports the Athletics are in negotiations with free agent right-hander Bartolo Colon. Colon, 38, resurrected his career this past season, but faded badly down the stretch and is not expected to re-sign with the Yankees following their recent trade for Michael Pineda. ESPN.com's Jason Stark reported on Friday that the Diamondbacks are also believed to be interested in bringing him in as their fifth starter.

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports that the Diamondbacks are showing interest in free agent right-hander Bartolo Colon. The D'Backs are looking for someone to fill out the back-end of their rotation, as they evidently don't think Wade Miley is ready. Colon faded down the stretch in 2011 but still had a very nice year, holding a 4.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 164 1/3 innings. He's not a great bet to repeat those numbers, but the 39-year-old wouldn't be bad rotation filler.