Source: Rays sign reliever Belisario to Minors deal
Club also nearing agreement with infielder Casilla
The Rays have signed reliever Ronald Belisario to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training, and they are close to completing a similar deal with infielder Alexi Casilla, a baseball source told MLB.com on Saturday.
The club has not confirmed either signing. The Tampa Bay Times first reported both deals.
Belisario, 32, could compete for a spot in the Rays' bullpen this spring. The veteran right-hander went 4-8 with a 5.56 ERA and eight saves over 66 1/3 innings in 62 appearances for the White Sox last year. Belisario is 24-20 with a 3.75 ERA in 335 appearances over five seasons in the Majors.
With closer Jake McGee likely to start the season on the disabled list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in December, Tampa Bay might have a spot or two up for grabs in the bullpen this spring.
Casilla, 30, has spent parts of nine seasons in the Majors with the Twins and Orioles. He has mostly played second base, but he's also seen time at shortstop and third base, so he could factor into the Rays' competition for a middle-infield spot this spring. Casilla is a career .247/.302/.331 hitter.