CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Rangers have signed right-hander Scott Baker, pending a physical.

It is expected to be a minor league deal. Baker was awful with the Mariners this spring, but the Rangers are in need of rotation depth. Still, we aren't optimistic about his chances for success in Texas' hitter-friendly ballpark.

Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirms that the Rangers are nearing a minor league deal with free agent right-hander Scott Baker.

Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish first reported that the two sides were "making progress" on a deal. Baker, who asked the Mariners for his release earlier this week, is expected to begin the season with Triple-A Round Rock. Given the issues in the Rangers' rotation, he could quickly receive an opportunity in the majors if he can prove his health and effectiveness.

Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com reports that Scott Baker is "making progress" on a contract with the Rangers.

He adds that a deal "could be completed soon." It's not clear whether Baker would receive a major or minor league contract, but the Rangers could certainly use some help in their rotation. Of course, Baker didn't look this spring like he was ready to help anyone, posting a 6.75 ERA and ugly 1/7 K/BB ratio over four Cactus League starts.

Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com reports that Scott Baker asked for and was granted his released from the Mariners.

Baker had a real chance to earn a spot in the Mariners' Opening Day rotation, but he fumbled the opportunity with a 6.75 ERA and ugly 1/7 K/BB ratio over four Cactus League starts. He's also yet to regain his pre-Tommy John surgery velocity, topping out around 90 mph. Despite this, the 32-year-old shouldn't have trouble catching on somewhere.

Scott Baker walked six while allowing six runs over four innings Saturday.

Baker had been decent in his first eight innings this spring, but the right-hander didn't have anything going for him Saturday. Along with the six free passes, Baker allowed seven hits, including two home runs. Baker is in camp as a non-roster invite, and this beating could hurt his chances of breaking camp with the club.

Scott Baker gave up five runs (two earned) over three innings in Tuesday's start against the Angels.

Baker gave up three unearned runs in the second inning, but he was certainly at fault after a throwing error put the leadoff man on base. Baker gave up consecutive RBI doubles to Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. In his three frames, Baker allowed five hits and didn't record a strikeout or issue a walk.

Scott Baker held the White Sox to one run in three innings of work in Thursday's start.

Baker, a non-roster invitee, is trying to bounce back from Tommy John surgery and contribute at the back of the Mariners' bullpen. He last reached the 10-start plateau in 2011, but he'll be a common mention among players who could bounce back this year.

Scott Baker pitched two scoreless innings in Saturday's rain-shortened game against the Angels.

Baker gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one. With Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker ailing, Baker will be an important member of the Mariners' rotation this season, especially early. The right-hander make just three starts last season as he continued the comeback from Tommy John surgery.

According to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune, Scott Baker should make the Mariners rotation out of spring training as long as he's healthy.

The veteran right-hander is in camp as a non-roster invitee. Now two years removed from Tommy John surgery, he feels like he's back to his normal self and is ready to get his career back on track. He makes for a very interesting gamble in the later rounds of mixed league drafts.

Mariners signed RHP Scott Baker to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports that he'll receive a $1 million salary if he makes the team. Baker missed all of 2012 following Tommy John surgery and made just three late-season starts with the Cubs last season, so he ultimately had to settle for a minor league deal. The 32-year-old posted a 3.92 ERA from 2008-2011 while averaging 7.6 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9, so it's a fine gamble for Seattle. He's one to watch in the spring.

Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com reports that the Indians and Mariners "remain the favorites" to sign Scott Baker.

Cotillo says Baker is expected to make a decision in the next couple of days. Baker's velocity was down in three late-season starts for the Cubs last year, but he could prove to be a nice addition as he further distances himself from Tommy John surgery.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer hears that Scott Baker is "still a back-burner possibility" for the Indians.

It appears at the moment that the Indians and Mariners are the most likely landing spots for Baker at this point. The right-hander made only three late-season starts for the Cubs last season, but he could make for a sneaky low-lost addition as he further distances himself from Tommy John surgery.

Greg Johns of MLB.com reports that the Mariners remain interested in free agent right-hander Scott Baker.

M's general manager Jack Zdruiencik said Saturday that the team is still looking to add a number three starter to his rotation, but isn't interested in Ervin Santana or Ubaldo Jimenez at their current asking prices. Baker, who pitched well in three starts with the Cubs in 2013, is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and could make for a nice low-cost addition.

The Mariners and Indians are the favorites to sign Scott Baker, according to a source of MLB Daily Dish's Chris Cotillo.

There are five to seven teams in on the right-hander, Cotillo said. Baker will likely have to settle for a minor league deal after making just three starts since 2011. The 32-year-old's three starts all came last season after returning from Tommy John surgery, posting a 3.60 ERA 0.87 WHIP through 15 innings.

Scott Baker surrendered five runs in four innings Friday in a no-decision versus the Braves.

Baker gave up a pair of homers in his first poor outing since returning from Tommy John surgery earlier this month. He'll probably get one more start next week.

Scott Baker pitched extremely well in a no-decision against the Pirates on Saturday, allowing just one run on three hits over six strong innings.

Baker punched out four and didn't walk a batter in the contest, needing just 75 pitches to get through his six innings. The only damage against him came on a solo homer from Jose Tabata in the sixth inning. In his first two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, Baker has posted a 0.82 ERA, 0.55 WHIP and 5/1 K/BB ratio over his 11 innings. Perhaps the most encouraging take away from the start though, was Baker's improved velocity. He'll look to extend that success when he takes on the Braves at home on Friday.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum announced on Tuesday that the Cubs will move to a six-man rotation.

The plan is to use six men for two turns and revert to a five-man rotation when Scott Baker makes his third and final scheduled start on Sept. 20 against the Braves. Baker, who worked five shutout innings against Milwaukee in his Cubs' debut, will make his next start on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

In his Cubs' debut, Scott Baker worked five shutout innings in Sunday's no-decision against the Brewers.

Under normal circumstances, the right-hander would have been given an opportunity to chase the shutout, but Cubs manager Dale Sveum will understandably be cautious with a pitcher who finally appears fully recovered from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. Baker threw only 55 pitches, striking out one, issuing one free pass and scattering two hits. Despite the nice outing, NL-only owners should probably avoid using Baker next weekend in Pittsburgh.

Cubs activated RHP Scott Baker from the 60-day disabled list.

Baker will make his season debut on Sunday against the Brewers. The right-hander's fastball failed to reach 90 mph during his rehab outings and he posted a 5.46 ERA with just 16 strikeouts over 29 2/3 innings. He should be avoided in fantasy leagues.

Scott Baker (elbow) will make his Cubs' debut on Sunday against the Brewers.

Baker's velocity has been down during his rehab assignment and he's posted a 5.46 ERA with just 16 strikeouts over 29 2/3 innings. The Cubs had been planning to bring him back as a long reliever, but they've reversed course and decided to give him a shot in the rotation. Travis Wood has been pushed back a day to Monday.