Right-hander David Carpenter, who was released last week by the Braves, has signed with the Rays on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training.
Carpenter is 30 years old with a 3.66 ERA in 211 career innings as a big leaguer, including a 4.01 ERA for the Nationals and Yankees last season. He’s had some shoulder issues and is unlikely to grab a prominent late-inning role, but as far as mid-March minor-league signings go he’s got a strong chance to crack the Opening Day roster.
It’s unclear why the Braves signed Carpenter in November only to release him three months later, but the Rays will gladly take the added bullpen depth and mid-90s fastball at little cost.
