Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports that the Orioles will sign Dontrelle Willis to a minor league contract. Willis was released by the Phillies last week after allowed five runs over 2 2/3 innings while walking four and striking out none this spring. The 30-year-old had a rough 5.00 ERA over 75 2/3 innings last year with the Reds, but held left-handed batters to a .127 batting average. He could function as starting pitching depth in the minors or the O's could move him into a lefty specialist role.

According to Troy Renck of The Denver Post, the Rockies will internally discuss whether to pursue Dontrelle Willis. "It's tough at this point in camp, but we will take a look at it," GM Dan O'Dowd said. Matt Reynolds is expected to open the season as the Rockies' left-handed specialist, but this could fall under the "you can never have enough pitching" category. Willis held left-handed hitters to a .127 batting average in 2011 with the Reds.

Phillies released LHP Dontrelle Willis. We were rooting for Willis to find a niche as a left-handed specialist, but he dealt with "dead arm" issues and held a 16.87 ERA in three outings this spring. At least the Phillies did him somewhat of a favor by cutting him this early in camp. He should be able to find someone willing to give him a shot on a minor league deal. Willis held left-handed hitters to a .127 batting average in 2011 with the Reds.

Dontrelle Willis returned to the mound Thursday and pitched a scoreless inning against the Braves. Willis walked one, but he was able to eliminate the baserunner with a double play. It was his first appearance since he was rocked eight days ago and shut down with a dead arm.

Dontrelle Willis (arm fatigue) threw 25 pitches during a bullpen session Tuesday. Willis hasn't pitched since last Wednesday due to arm fatigue, but he could return to Grapefruit League action as soon as Thursday. The 30-year-old is competing for a job as a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen.

Dontrelle Willis (arm fatigue) is aiming to return to Grapefruit League games this week. "I feel great," Willis said Monday. "They have me doing some things to keep me strong. It's actually a blessing in disguise. That's the one thing about your body: Something could be fatigued and it can cause problems. It's been feeling great." He's trying to earn a spot on the Phillies' Opening Day roster as a lefty specialist.

Dontrelle Willis said Wednesday that he might back off his throwing program for a bit due to arm fatigue. Willis allowed four runs on three hits Wednesday in his second Cactus League appearance. He was signed to a one-year, $1 million contract this winter and is expected to serve as a lefty relief specialist this year for the Phils.

Phillies signed LHP Dontrelle Willis to a one-year, $1 million contract. Willis can earn more through performance-based incentives. The 29-year-old southpaw had a rough 5.00 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 75 2/3 innings this past year for the Reds, but he held left-handed hitters to a .127 batting average and .369 OPS. He'll presumably function as a lefty specialist in the Philly 'pen.

According to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, the Phillies have reached a one-year deal with Dontrelle Willis. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported earlier that the deal was "close." And now it is complete, pending a physical. Willis stands to make around $1 million in base salary and can also earn more through performance-based incentives. The 29-year-old southpaw had a rough 5.00 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 75 2/3 innings this past year for the Reds, but he held left-handed hitters to a .127 batting average and .369 OPS.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Phillies are close to a deal with left-hander Dontrelle Willis. According to Crasnick's sources, the contract will be worth around $1 million and will also carry performance-based bonuses. Willis posted a rough 5.00 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 75 2/3 innings this past year for the Reds, but southpaws tend to get more chances than other pitchers. He'll presumably function as a lefty specialist in the Philly 'pen.