Cincinnati Reds: Pitcher Michael Wuertz Signed to a Minor League Deal

The Washington Post reported yesterday that the Cincinnati Reds have come to an agreement with relief pitcher Michael Wuertz.

Wuertz was signed to a minor league deal, allowing him to work out in the organization's spring training complex in Arizona as part of the team's extended program.

The right-hander, who nearly signed with the Mariners less than a month ago, pitched five seasons for the Chicago Cubs and three with Oakland, which released him in October.

Wuertz posted a 6.68 ERA with 8.6 K/9 and 7.0 BB/9 in 33.2 innings for the Athletics last season. He was plagued with hamstring and thumb injuries last year, which limited him to 39 appearances.

The 33-year-old was the anchor to the back end of the A's bullpen in 2009, when he finished 6-1 with a 2.63 ERA (0.95 WHIP) and 23 holds, while striking out 102 in 78.2 innings of work.

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