Rays sign reliever Ernesto Frieri, designate Sean Rodriguez
The Tampa Bay Rays signed reliever Ernesto Frieri on Wednesday and designated utility man Sean Rodriguez for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Frieri, 29, was a free agent who went 1-4 with a 7.34 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 48 appearances between the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates last season. The right-hander also spent time with the San Diego Padres (2009-2012) in addition to stints with the Angels (2012-14) and Pirates (2014). He has a 3.46 ERA in 273 innings pitched in the majors.
Rodriguez, 29, batted a combined .228 with 40 home runs, 172 RBI and 32 stolen bases in the past five seasons with the Rays. He appeared at all four infield positions and all three outfield spots with Tampa Bay. He hit .211 with a career-high 12 home runs and 41 RBI last season.
