ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have signed veteran left-hander Cesar Ramos to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, the club announced Tuesday. Ramos has spent most of his Major League career as a reliever, but will be given a chance to start in Spring Training.
Ramos pitched in 65 games for the Angels last season, going 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA. Left-handed hitters batted .274 off him, while right-handers batted .284. Opponents hit .187 off him with runners in scoring position.
Ramos was selected 35th overall in the 2005 Draft by the Padres out of Long Beach State. He has seven years of Major League experience with the Padres, Rays and Angels, with an overall record of 7-12, a 3.70 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 251 appearances, including 10 starts.
If Ramos doesn't make the rotation, he gives the Rangers another left-handed option out of the bullpen along with Jake Diekman, Sam Freeman, Alex Claudio and Andrew Faulkner.