The Mariners have signed left-hander Rafael Perez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Perez was once a mainstay in the Indians’ bullpen, posting a 3.64 ERA in 338 appearances between 2006-2012, but he hasn’t pitched in the majors since. Now 32, he split last season between the Triple-A affiliates for the Pirates and Rangers and the Mexican League.
According to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune, Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon would prefer at least two left-handers in his bullpen. Charlie Furbush already has one spot if healthy, so Perez should compete with Lucas Luetge, Edgar Olmos and David Rollins for the other one.