Braves, Glavine reach agreement

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Veteran left-hander Tom Glavine will be back with the Braves after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract that includes a $1 million base salary and up to $3.5 million in incentives, according to two people familiar with the situation.

The deal is set to be completed Friday. Glavine, who turns 43 next month, agreed to defer most of the bonus money in order to leave some room in the Braves’ payroll should they decide to pursue another outfielder or look to fill another need later in the season.

Baseball’s only active 300-game winner will be penciled in the fifth spot in a deep starting rotation that includes right-handers Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami and Jair Jurrjens.

Glavine will get $1 million guaranteed and a $1 million bonus if he makes the active roster. He isn’t expected to be on the opening day roster, as the Braves won’t need a fifth starter until April 19. He would get a $1.25 million bonus after 30 days on the roster, and another $1.25 million bonus after 60.

The two-time former Cy Young Award winner never was on the disabled list until 2008, when he went 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 starts before surgeries on his left elbow and shoulder in August.

Glavine, who had recorded at least 11 wins in 16 of the previous 17 seasons, didn’t want to end his career on last season’s down note. He jumped headlong into rehab and has experienced no setbacks.

He could join the Braves at spring training by March 1, with a goal of pitching in exhibition games within a week of his arrival.

For now, Dr. James Andrews recommended he continue his throwing program at home in Atlanta, so as not to be tempted to push things too quickly facing hitters early in training camp.