Nationals, out to bolster rotation, sign Hellickson

Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson agreed to a minor league contract with Washington that would be worth $2 million over one season if he were added to the 40-man roster.

Hellickson, who turns 31 on April 8, would have a chance to make an additional $4 million in performance bonuses.

The Nationals’ fifth-starter slot is uncertain behind Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark.

Hellickson is 69-69 with a 4.12 ERA in eight major league seasons with four teams. He went 8-11 with a 5.43 ERA last year in 30 starts for Philadelphia and Baltimore.