Red Sox sign Bello to extension

Long-term investment comes after Giolito news

After getting bad news about the biggest offseason rotation addition, the Boston Red Sox are making a major long-term investment in their top returning pitcher.

Boston agreed to on a $55 million, 6-year contract with right-hander Brayan Bello, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The deal came together as Boston learned of the injury to Lucas Giolito, who headed to Alabama this week for a second opinion on his ailing right elbow.

The deal also includes a $21 million team option for 2030 with a $1 million buyout that, if exercised, would make the agreement worth $75 million over seven seasons, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Bello went 12-11 with a 4.24 ERA in 28 starts last season while striking out 132 and walking 45 in 157 innings.

Harris’ hot start

Michael Harris II hit his third Grapefruit League homer Thursday, a third-inning drive off Boston’s Tanner Houck in the Braves’ 3-2 victory. Harris is 8 of 18 with six runs and five RBIS.

Chapman suits up for Giants

Third baseman Matt Chapman was set to make his first Cactus League appearance since joining the San Francisco Giants with a $54 million, 3-year deal.

Cubs’ Killian injured

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that right-hander Caleb Kilian has a teres major strain and is expected to be out until the All-star break.

Zunino retires

Former All-star catcher Mike Zunino is retiring at age 32 after 11 major league seasons.

Zunino was released by Cleveland last June and announced his retirement in an Instagram post Wednesday.