Report: Nationals sign Evan Meek to minor-league deal

The Washington Nationals added another candidate Wednesday to compete for a spot in the bullpen this season, signing Evan Meek to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, reports MLB.com's William Ladson.

Meek, an 11th-round pick in the 2002 draft, enjoyed some success with the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier in his career, but has struggled with both injuries and ineffectiveness in recent years. The 31-year-old has made just 35 appearances over the last three seasons and spent the entire 2013 campaign in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

Meek logged 23 relief appearances with the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 after signing a minor-league deal with the club in February, crafting a 5.79 ERA with a 1.59 WHIP over 23 1/3 innings.

The Nationals, however, remain eager to bolster their bullpen after declining Rafael Soriano's contract option and trading Tyler Clippard to the Oakland Athletics earlier this month.