The Tampa Bay Rays announced the signing of outfielder Shelley Duncan, right-handed pitchers Jamey Wright, Juan Carlos Oviedo and Juan Sandoval to minor-league deals. All four players will get invites to spring training. Oviedo, the pitcher formerly known as Leo Núñez underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the bulk of the 2013 season rehabbing from the surgery. His deal includes an option for 2014.
Wright, 38, is the veteran of the group with 17 major league seasons to his credit. Wright has a career ERA of 4.89 in 592 appearances, 246 of which were as a starter. In 2012, he went 5-3 with a 3.72 ERA (67.2-IP, 28-ER) in 66 relief outings for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wright has spent time with nine teams in the major leagues including, the Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and the Dodgers.
Duncan spent the 2012 season with the Cleveland Indians and hit .203 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI in 81 games. Duncan could help in the 2013 season as a right-handed hitting outfielder, or could provide organizational depth at Triple-A Durham.
Oviedo, 30, spent 2012 with the Miami Marlins organization but did not pitch in the majors, however between 2009-– 11 as a Marlins closer earned 92 saves and has a career ERA of 4.34.
Sandoval split his 2012 season with Mexico and Oaxaca in the Mexican League. Sandoval went 7-3 with an ERA of 2.9 7/67 relief appearances. Sandoval has spent time in the Mariners, Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies organizations.
