Cubs sign veteran Pineiro to Minors deal

PITTSBURGH -- The Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Joel Pineiro to a Minor League contract. He will go to Mesa, Ariz., for extended spring camp, and then is expected to report to Triple-A Iowa.

Pineiro, 35, has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2011. He has pitched for the Mariners, Red Sox, Cardinals and Angels. Pineiro had his best seasons with St. Louis and pitching coach Dave Duncan, compiling a 28-23 record and a 4.14 ERA in 69 games over three seasons.

In January 2012, Pineiro signed a Minor League deal with the Phillies, but he was released after pitching six innings in Spring Training. He then signed a Minor League contract with the Orioles in April 2012, but Pineiro did not pitch for the Major League team, and he eventually needed surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder in July.

This past February, Pineiro told MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez that he was not ready to retire.

"I have had 11 years in the big leagues, so I'm not complaining, but I'm not ready to shut it down," Pineiro said. "I'm 35, and I told my wife this would be my last real push at it. I have four kids, my oldest is in middle school, but I still have the desire and love for the game."

Pineiro pitched for Ponce this past winter in Puerto Rico, going 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA over five outings.

In 12 seasons, beginning in 2000 with the Mariners, Pineiro is 104-93 with a 4.41 ERA.