Cobb finalizes deal

Free agent pitcher Alex Cobb and the Baltimore Orioles have finalized a $57 million, four-year contract. Cobb was the last big-name starting pitcher still available in a slow-moving free agent market. He joins Andrew Cashner and Chris Tillman, who were signed last month, in a revamped rotation that includes holdovers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman. The 30-yearold righty was 12-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts for Tampa Bay last season. He pitched 1791/3 innings in his first full year back after missing nearly two seasons because of Tommy John surgery. Cobb is 48-35 with a 3.50 in six big league seasons, all with the Rays. He turned down Tampa Bay’s $17.4 million qualifying offer in November. Baltimore will lose its third-highest draft pick, currently No. 51, and the Rays get an extra selection after the first round as compensation. Jose Mesa

Jr. was designated for assignment Wednesday to clear a roster spot.