Pirates sign Jose Contreras to minor-league contract

The Pirates have announced that they've signed veteran right-hander Jose Contreras to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Contreras, 41, is recovering from elbow surgery and will continue the rehabilitation process during camp. Last season, Contreras logged a 5.27 ERA in 13 2/3 innings for the Phillies. He was able to log just 14 innings in 2011, again because of elbow surgery.

In parts of 10 major-league seasons, the Cuba native has a 4.55 ERA across 292 games, 175 of which have been starts. As a reliever, Contreras has a career ERA of 3.78.

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