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Rays sign Ernesto Frieri to 1-year contract, designate Sean Rodriguez for assignment

Charles LeClaire / -USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Ernesto Frieri to a one-year contract and designated infielder Sean Rodriguez for assignment, the team announced Wednesday.

The deal with Frieri is for a reported $800,000, but he can earn up to $2 million-plus with incentives.

Frieri, a former closer, split time with the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates last season, compiling an ugly 7.34 ERA and 11 saves. The 29-year-old has 71 career saves to his credit, but lost the closer's job in L.A. before getting shipped to the Pirates in exchange for Jason Grilli.

The versatile Rodriguez can play the middle infield and outfield spots. He is arbitration-eligible after spending the past five seasons with the Rays, and is expected to cash in $2 million for his services next year. The 29-year-old hit .211 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs in 96 games for Tampa last season.

The Rays now have 10 days to trade, release or pass Rodriguez through waivers.

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