Jon Niese: Opts for independent baseball

Niese signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball on Wednesday, Jordan Lauterbach of Newsday reports.

The nine-year MLB veteran hasn't pitched in two seasons and last surfaced with the Rangers, who cut him in spring training prior to the start of the 2018 season. The 32-year-old had a career 4.07 ERA and collected 197 major-league starts. Niese will have to impress in the Atlantic League in order to get a chance at another major-league contract.