Padres' Hong-Chih Kuo: Inks minor league deal with Padres

Kuo signed a minor league deal with the Padres on Friday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Analysis:

It's a surprising signing, considering that Kuo has not pitched in the majors since 2011. The 35-year-old reliever spent seven seasons with the Dodgers, compiling a 3.73 career ERA and making the National League All-Star team in 2010. He has played the last three seasons in China. Kuo will report to spring training Monday, but will likely end up serving as organizational depth within the farm system.