Spring Training roundup: Cobb joins O's, Hosmer hits 4th homer

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

Cobb stayed in the division he knew best, finalizing a $57 million, 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 right-hander 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 six-season 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 1/3 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 offseason," 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.

ELSEWHERE AROUND THE GRAPEFRUIT AND CACTUS LEAGUES

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.

PADRES 4, WHITE SOX 3

Eric Hosmer hit his fourth homer, a two-run drive in the fifth. Padres starter Luis Perdomo gave up one run and five hits in five innings, and Chicago's Reynaldo Lopez allowed three runs and five hits in five innings. Matt Skole and Yermin Mercedes homered.

ASTROS 8, NATIONALS 3

Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. struck out six over 5 1/3 shutout innings, allowing two hits. Josh Reddick homered, tripled and singled. Washington starter Gio Gonzalez gave up eight runs in 4 2/3 innings. Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy said he'll likely begin the season on the disabled list while recovering from knee surgery.

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.

CARDINALS 13, MARLINS 6

Marcell Ozuna, Matt Carpenter and Paul DeJong all homered for St. Louis. Cameron Maybin and Garrett Cooper doubled for Miami.

PHILLIES 7, BLUE JAYS 7

Rhys Hoskins hit two home runs, including a drive off Toronto starter Marcus Stroman. Philadelphia prospect Scott Kingery had a pinch-hit homer -- he is batting .390 this spring with four home runs. Roemon Fields hit a tying RBI triple in the ninth.

BREWERS 4, ATHLETICS 3

Wade Miley gave up two runs and three hits in four innings, and Eric Thames hit a two-run homer. Daniel Mengden yielded two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Chad Pinder homered.