:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48405443/usa-today-8411299.0.jpg)
The Texas Rangers have signed righthanded pitcher A.J. Griffin to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, according to John Blake on Twitter.
Griffin, 27, missed all of the 2014 and most of 2015 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, 2014. Griffin was a 13th round pick of the Oakland A's in 2010, and had solid 2012 and 2013 seasons with the A's, putting up a 3.60 ERA and a 4.34 FIP in 282.1 IP. Griffin was expected to be in the A's rotation in 2014, but that plan was de-railed when he had elbow problems that led to him undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Jon Daniels just yesterday indicated that the Rangers were continuing to look for depth options for their rotation, and Griffin would appear to qualify...on a minor league deal, there's minimal risk, but Griffin can provide competition for Chi Chi Gonzalez and Nick Martinez for the fifth spot in the rotation in spring training, while also providing insurance should another start not be able to go to start the season.