By John Fay
Cincinnati Enquirer

The Reds signed Paul Wilson to a two-year, $4 million deal Sunday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

The Reds added another starter to the mix, signing Paul Wilson to a two-year, $4 million deal Sunday.

Wilson, a 29-year-old right-hander, went 6-12 with a 4.83 ERA last year for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

"Paul has the ability to pitch 180 to 200 innings per year," Reds general manager Jim Bowden said in a statement. "We felt it was important to add another proven starter to join Ryan Dempster, Jimmy Haynes and Danny Graves in the rotation."

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Reds designated Brian Reith for assignment.

Wilson made 30 starts last year and threw a career-high 193 2/3 innings. During one stretch, he pitched into the seven innings in 10 straight starts.

Wilson was the New York Mets' No. 1 pick in the 1994 draft. He underwent Tommy John surgery in '99, and his deal with the Reds hinges on Wilson passing a physical.

Reith, a 25-year-old right-hander, was 8-13 with a 5.02 ERA for Triple-A Louisville last year. He made eight starts for the Reds in 2001, going 0-7 with a 7.81 ERA.