D-backs sign Matusz, Jepsen to Minors deals
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- On the day pitchers and catchers report to Salt River Fields, the D-backs agreed to terms with pitchers Brian Matusz and Kevin Jepsen on Minor League contracts.
Both received an invitation to Major League camp.
Matusz, 30, was the fourth overall pick in the 2008 Draft by the Orioles. The left-hander appeared in seven games for the O's last season and one for the Cubs. In parts of eight seasons in the big leagues, Matusz has a 4.92 ERA in 280 games (69 starts).
Initially a starter, Matusz has mainly pitched out of the bullpen since 2013, posting a career 3.47 ERA in relief. The D-backs only have two lefty relievers on their 40-man roster with any big league experience in Andrew Chafin and Steve Hathaway.
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Jepsen, 32, made a combined 58 relief appearances for the Twins and Rays last year, compiling a 5.98 ERA. In parts of nine Major League seasons, he has a 3.92 ERA.
In 2015, Jepsen led the American League in appearances with 75 and had a 2.33 ERA, splitting the season once again between Tampa Bay and Minnesota.