Arlington: The Texas Rangers have signed 44-year-old Bartolo Colon to a minor-league contract and invited the pitcher to big league spring training.
The Rangers announced the move Sunday.
Colon was a combined 7-14 with a 6.48 ERA in 28 starts for Atlanta and Minnesota last season. He was released by the Braves on July, then signed with the Twins and went 5-6 with a 5.18 ERA in 15 starts for them.
Colon has 240 career victories in 20 seasons with 10 different teams, including the Montreal Expos. The portly right-hander has posted 21 career wins against Texas, the most by any pitcher.
“Bartolo brings a track record of durability and success in the major leagues. He pounds the strike zone and provides quality competition for our rotation,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “Welcome to Texas, Big Sexy!”
A four-time All-Star, he won the 2005 AL Cy Young Award with the Angels.
Texas was 78-84 last year. Rangers pitchers and catchers are set to hold their first spring workout February 15 in Surprise, Arizona.
