Report: Twins agree to minor-league deal with Vogelsong
Ryan Vogelsong is going to try to continue his career in the Twin Cities.
The veteran right-hander has reportedly agreed to a minor-league deal with the the Minnesota Twins that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, according to Phil Miller of the Star Tribune.
If he makes the big club out of camp, Vogelsong could provide a relatively young Twins staff with an important veteran presence and mentor. He could also serve as a mentor to the Twins' cadre of young arms in the minors if he ultimately ends up there.
Vogelsong spent 2016 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but only appeared in 24 games because of facial fractures sustained when he was hit in the face by a pitch during an at-bat in May. He successfully returned to the mound in August and made another 12 starts down the stretch, finishing 2016 with a 4.81 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts in 82 1/3 innings.
The 39-year-old is perhaps best remembered for his time in San Francisco from 2011-15, when he made his only All-Star appearance in 2011 and played a key role in the Giants' World Series titles in 2012 and '14. Over his 12-year big-league career - interrupted by a four-season stint in Japan - Vogelsong owns a 4.48 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 900 strikeouts in 289 appearances and 179 starts.
Minnesota also reportedly agreed to a minor-league deal with right-hander Nick Tepesch, according to Miller.