Twins sign left-handed pitcher Abad to minor league deal
The Minnesota Twins have signed former Oakland Athletics pitcher Fernando Abad to a minor-league contract, and invited the 30-year-old to spring training.
A 6-foot-1 reliever out of the Dominican Republic, Abad pitched 122.1 innings in the National League for Houston and Washington from 2010-13, before being traded to Oakland prior to the 2014 season.
Abad logged 105 innings of work during his two seasons with the A's, allowing 79 hits and 34 runs, while registering a 2.74 ERA through 131 games.
Abad picked up 96 strikeouts and 34 walks during his time with the A's.
Minnesota also agreed to minor league contracts with outfielders Joe Benson and Darin Mastroianni, both of whom have had previous stints with the club.
The Twins invited seven other pitchers to camp, including former first-round pick Jose Berrios, fellow right-handers Nick Burdi, Brandon Kintzler and Jake Reed, as well as left-handers Buddy Boshers, Dan Runzler and Aaron Thompson.
Catchers Juan Centeno, Mitch Garver, Carlos Paulino, Alex Swim and Stuart Turner were also on the list, as well as infielders James Beresford, Buck Britton, Heiker Meneses, Wilfredo Tovar and Engelb Vielma.
Four outfielders, Joe Benson, Darin Mastroianni, Reynaldo Rodriguez and Ryan Sweeney, were invited to camp as well.
