The Rays announced Friday that they had signed right-handed reliever David Carpenter to a Minor League deal.
Carpenter, 30, had inked a free-agent contract with the Braves in November after splitting time with the Yankees and Nationals last season. He was released Saturday after pitching one scoreless inning in Spring Training.
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Carpenter was a big part of Atlanta's 2013 National League East-winning team, going 4-1 with a 1.78 ERA. From 2013-14, he recorded 141 strikeouts and 36 walks in 126 2/3 innings for the Braves.
Carpenter has always been a hard thrower, averaging 95 mph on his fastball even during last season's struggles, according to FanGraphs.
"He's a guy who's got some experience," manager Kevin Cash said. "It's a little confusing why he's available but we'll take a chance on him. We're excited to bring him in … he's going to throw a bullpen today and then we'll see where he's at. He's got a big arm, he could help us and put himself right in the mix here."
The five-year veteran, who broke in with the Astros in 2011 before being traded to the Blue Jays the following October, pitched in 30 Major League games last year, recording 15 strikeouts and nine walks and allowing 11 earned runs in 24 2/3 innings.