ARLINGTON -- The Rangers, while waiting on free-agent right-hander Tyson Ross to undergo his physical, added another veteran candidate to their rotation by signing righty Dillon Gee on Tuesday to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Gee was born and raised in Cleburne, Texas, and he played collegiate baseball at UT-Arlington. He spent last season with the Royals, going 8-9 with a 4.68 ERA in 14 starts and 19 relief appearances.
"We were looking for a place to go out and win a job, and this was one of the better ones," Gee said. "The opportunity to stay at home and play definitely helps the situation. I grew up in Texas and always dreamed of playing with the Rangers."
• Hot Stove Tracker
Gee was a 21st-round pick by the Mets in the 2007 Draft and pitched with New York from 2010-15. He was 40-37 with a 4.03 ERA in 110 starts and four relief appearances. He won 13 games in 2011 and 12 in '13.
Gee had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery at the end of last season, but said he is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
Ross, who agreed to a Major League contract on Friday, is also coming back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. The Rangers haven't officially announced the signing because Ross has not had his physical.
"We are hoping to have some developments this week," general manager Jon Daniels said.
If the Ross signing goes through as expected, the Rangers will likely have their candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, Martin Perez and Andrew Cashner.
"We are always looking to get better," Daniels said. "If that does come to fruition, I don't think we'll be making any more Major League additions. It might be we bring in some guys to compete."
Besides Ross and Gee, the fifth-starter candidates include A.J. Griffin and Nick Martinez, along with Rule 5 Draft pick Mike Hauschild.
"I've had a history of some pretty good starting years," Gee said. "If I don't get that, I'll be waiting in the wings, but I still think I can give the Rangers some quality innings."