Former Rays starter Cobb joins Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles figured Alex Cobb would be a fine fit.

Cobb stayed in the division he knew best, finalizing a $57-million US, four-year contract on Wednesday.

“They used the AL East and the success I’ve had in it to their advantage,” the 30-year-old righthander said. “They kept challenging me with it and I love the challenge of pitching in this division and they know that over the times we talked. They did a really good job of making me feel like this is where I need to be.”

Cobb had spent his entire sixseason big league career with Tampa Bay and was the last top starting pitcher available in a slow-moving free agent market.

Cobb joined Andrew Cashner and Chris Tillman, who were signed last month, in a revamped rotation that includes holdovers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman.

The Orioles are coming off a last-place finish and 75-87 record.

Cobb was 12-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts last season. He pitched 179 13 ⁄ innings in his first full year back after missing nearly two seasons because of Tommy John surgery.

He had turned down the Rays’ $17.4-million qualifying offer in November, and Baltimore pursued him from the start of free agency.

“They didn’t stop bothering me the whole off-season,” Cobb said.

Cobb is 48-35 with a 3.50 ERA in the majors.

Baltimore opens on March 29 at home against Minnesota, but Cobb won’t be ready to pitch then. He has agreed to be optioned to a minor league affiliate to help build up innings.

“I’m going to be pushing it as quick as I can,” he said.

CUBS 5, RANGERS 1 Yu Darvish struck out seven in six innings, allowing three hits that included Juan Centeno’s leadoff homer in the third. Steve Cishek and Carl Edwards Jr. combined for hitless relief. Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber homered.

RED SOX 8, RAYS 3 J.D. Martinez doubled, singled and drove in three runs and Blake Swihart homered for Boston. C.J. Cron homered for Tampa Bay.