Mariners sign Joel Peralta to minor-league deal

The Seattle Mariners just keep on making moves, and continued to beef up their depth on Tuesday by signing right-hander Joel Peralta to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

The veteran of 11 big-league seasons had his $2.5-million option for 2016 declined by the Los Angeles Dodgers in November, after he suffered through neck issues which limited him to 33 appearances last season.

He'll enter spring training vying for a spot in the Mariners' bullpen, which already features Steve Cishek, Joaquin Benoit, and a slew of other options.

Peralta posted a 4.34 ERA, while striking out 7.4 hitters per nine innings last season, and owns a career ERA of 3.94 across 589 big-league appearances.

The 39-year-old was a valuable member of the Tampa Bay Rays' bullpen from 2011-14, making 296 appearances for them during the four-season stint.