Rays sign RHP Ernesto Frieri to 1-year deal
The Tampa Bay Rays signed right-handed pitcher Ernesto Frieri to a one-year deal on Wednesday, the team announced.
The deal is worth $800,000, and incentives could make it worth $3.15 million. In a corresponding move, the designated infielder Sean Rodriguez for assignment.
Frieri, 29, pitched for the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates this season. In total, he went 1-4 with a 7.34 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings. Frieri spent 34 games with the Angels before he was traded in June to the Pirates for relief pitcher Jason Grilli.
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Over six seasons in the majors, Frieri is 10-13 with a 3.46 ERA, 363 strikeouts and 126 walks.
Tampa's bullpen posted a 3.71 ERA last season, ninth in the American League.
Rodriguez, 29, spent the last five seasons with the Rays. This year was his worst, as he batted .211, but did set career highs with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs. After making $1.475 last season, the Rays designated him to avoid a decision whether to tender him a contract by the Dec. deadline. Doing so would've locked the team into arbitration with Rodriguez.
Tampa also released catcher Jose Molina and infielder Cole Figueroa after they cleared waivers.
The Rays finished 77-85 last season, missing the postseason for the second time in four years.
- Mike Fiammetta
