The Braves signed veteran reliever Alexi Ogando to a minor league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, where he’ll compete for a spot in what the team expects to be an improved bullpen.
Ogando, 32, had a 3.99 ERA in 64 relief appearances for Boston in 2015, with 53 strikeouts, 28 walks and 12 home runs allowed in 65 1/3 innings. The former All-Star right-hander would get a $2 million salary if he makes the Braves’ major league team, and could earn up to $1 million in additional incentives.
He was eligible for arbitration for a third time and went non-tendered in November by the Red Sox, who would’ve committed to an approximate $2.4 million salary if they’d offered arbitration. Ogando is less than a half-season from the six years’ service for major league free agency.
Ogando is 31-17 with a 3.44 ERA in 247 games (48 starts) over six seasons, all in the American League including five with the Texas Rangers. He had a career-worst 6.84 ERA in 27 reliever appearances in 2014, after working primarily as a starter in 2013 when he was 7-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 23 games (18 starts).
After posting a 1.30 ERA in 44 relief appearances as a Rangers rookie in 2010, Ogando made the AL All-Star team in 2011 and was 13-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 31 games (29 starts).
Cunniff to Triple-A: The Braves outrighted reliever Brandon Cunniff to Triple-A Gwinnett after he cleared waivers. The right-hander was designated for assignment earlier this week, removing him from the 40-man roster.
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