Yanks sign veteran reliever Bell to Minors deal

OAKLAND -- The Yankees have signed right-hander Heath Bell to a Minor League contract and plan to audition the veteran reliever at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Bell, 36, was 1-1 with a 7.27 ERA in 13 appearances for the Rays this season. He moved to the Orioles organization and opted out of his Minor League deal after posting a 4.22 ERA in 10 2/3 innings with Triple-A Norfolk.

"This guy has had success," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He's been a closer who has pitched in high-level situations. We'll see if he can help us."

A three-time All-Star, Bell has compiled a 3.49 ERA and a 38-32 record with 168 saves in 590 games with the Mets (2004-06), Padres (2007-11), Marlins (2012), D-backs (2013) and Rays (2014).