Rays sign Isringhausen to minor-league deal

The Rays have signed former All-Star closer Jason Isringhausen to a minor-league deal.

Isringhausen, 36, was with St. Louis last season, but did not pitch after Aug. 16 and had surgery Sept. 12 to repair a torn flexor tendon, ending a season in which he struggled, going 1-5 with 12 saves and a 5.70 ERA. He has been throwing bullpen sessions and, though will be monitored early, the Rays expect him to be able to pitch in exhibition games.

"I'm excited,'' Isringhausen told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I've still got to make the team. I didn't get any guaranteed money. Didn't need it. ... I just need to pitch, to show I can pitch.''

Pitching for the Mets, A's and Cardinals over 13 big-league seasons, he has 293 career saves, including seven seasons of 30 or more, and a career ERA of 3.61.

Isringhausen, who lives in the Tampa Bay area, will join the Rays in camp on Saturday. If healthy, he could provide additional depth for a bullpen that will be missing Chad Bradford until June and has closer Troy Percival recovering from back surgery. If he makes the team, his contract is likely heavily incentive-laden. The Post-Dispatch said it could be worth more than $2-million if he reaches the incentives.

Comments

[Rob]

I've been an Izzy fan since he was in the Mets system way back when. He is a solid addition to the pen.

[TechnoPhobia]

I am delighted to see that Jason Isringhausen signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. Izzy is a true stand-up kind of man, and my fellow Cardinal fans never fully appreciated him. I can't wait for him to get save #300 and to see him pitch in the World Series in October. The Cardinals will be playing golf then while Izzy is pitching. Good luck, Izzy. You deserve the best!