Jason Hammel allowed just two hits over four scoreless innings in Saturday's win over the Diamondbacks. Hammel gave up eight hits in 4 2/3 innings his last time out, so Saturday's appearance was a step in the right direction. Hammel also had a 5/0 K/BB ratio in the start. Healthy and effective, the 31-year-old will occupy one of the Cubs' rotation spots when the season starts next week.

Jason Hammel struggled against the Athletics on Sunday, allowing a pair of runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. Hammel also issued three free passes on the afternoon while punching out two. He'll have one final Cactus League tuneup to turn things around before making his regular season debut against the Pirates in Pittsburgh on April 3.

Jason Hammel allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks over five frames versus the Rangers Tuesday. He struck out two on the night. Hammel looked good early on, shutting the Rangers out for the first three innings, but he gave up six hits and four runs over the final two frames. The big right-hander now holds a 4.50 ERA over his first two starts this spring. He's trying to bounce back after a disappointing 2013 campaign that saw him post a 4.97 ERA over 139 1/3 innings.

Jason Hammel spun a trio of shutout innings in his spring debut Saturday against the Reds. He surrendered two hits, three walks and struck out four. "To be honest, I was battling a little bit of butterflies," said Hammel. The right-hander signed a one-year, $6 million contract last month. He posted an ugly 4.97 ERA in 139 1/3 innings last season for the Orioles, but we think the 31-year-old is a good bounceback candidate.

Cubs signed RHP Jason Hammel to a one-year, $6 million contract. Hammel can earn another $1 million through performance-based bonuses. He posted a rough 4.97 ERA in 139 1/3 innings last season for the Orioles, but the 31-year-old is a bounceback candidate and could be good trade bait for the Cubs by the middle of the summer.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cubs have come to terms on a contract with Jason Hammel. The particulars of the deal aren't yet available, but it will be made official once he passes a physical. Hammel posted a disappointing 4.97 ERA over 139 1/3 innings last season but could be a sneaky addition if he can rebound to his 2012 form, when he held a 3.43 mark while striking out nearly a batter per inning.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times hears that if the Angels sign a starter, they're more likely to go after Jason Hammel or Chris Capuano rather than Bronson Arroyo or Paul Maholm. However, DiGiovanna cautions that he's "not sensing urgency" on the Angels' part to add a starter at all. At this point, it appears if they do pursue pitching help, it will be a lower-tier starter. Hammel posted a disappointing 4.97 ERA over 139 1/3 innings last season but could be a sneaky addition if he can rebound to his 2012 form.

Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports that five teams are in the hunt for free agent right-hander Jason Hammel. Cotillo notes that while a decision isn't imminent, Hammel should make his decision at some point next week. The Cubs, Pirates, Royals and Braves have all had interest in his services at one point this offseason, but it's anyone's guess where he'll eventually wind up, perhaps with the vaunted "mystery team".

FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports that the Cubs, Pirates, Royals and Braves have showed interest in Jason Hammel. There are more, as Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com reported Monday a total of 12 teams have showed interest in the righty. The aforementioned four could be the clubs that are most infatuated with Hammel, though. Dierkes' report said that teams have been discussing one-year contracts with Hammel, who would be a nice low-risk move on a short deal.

Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com reports that Jason Hammel is receiving interest from 12 teams. He says Hammel has yet to receive an offer, but teams are discussing one-year pacts with him so far. ESPN's Buster Olney reported earlier Monday that Hammel is asking for a three- or four-year deal, which seems unreasonable given his disappointing 2013. His best option might be to ink a one-year deal before trying to cash in next winter. The Indians have been connected to Hammel, and Dierkes sees the Astros as a "logical fit."