ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Kyle Farnsworth to a one-year major league contract." The contract includes a club option for 2012.
Farnsworth, 34, went 3-2 with a 3.34 ERA (64.2-IP, 24-ER) in 60 relief appearances split between the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves in 2010." He struck out 61 batters while allowing 19 walks and 55 hits, holding opponents to a .230 batting average." He started the season with Kansas City before being traded to Atlanta along with outfielder Rick Ankiel on July 31, and he pitched in 25 games for the Braves as well as two postseason appearances in the National League Division Series.
"Kyle brings not only experience, but also an intimidation factor that will help our entire bullpen," said Rays Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman." "As he's matured as a pitcher, his arsenal has continued to evolve, and he has the stuff to get crucial outs for us in the AL East."
Farnsworth has spent parts of 12 major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs (1999-2004), Detroit Tigers (2005, 2008), Braves (2005, 2010), New York Yankees (2006-08) and Royals (2009-10), compiling a career 4.39 ERA including a 2.82 ERA against the American League East in 116 appearances. He has had eight seasons of 60 or more appearances and ranks 11th among active pitchers in appearances (713).
The Wichita, Kan., native was originally selected by the Cubs in the 1994 June Draft and currently resides in Celebration, Fla.
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