The Texas Rangers have agreed to minor-league contracts with infielder Yangervis Solarte and right-handed pitcher Collin Balester with invitations to spring training, the club announced Wednesday.
If Solarte's name seems familiar it's because he was with the Rangers last season, competing in spring training for the utility infield job. The 25-year-old ended up in Triple-A Round Rock, hitting .288 with 28 doubles, 11 homers and 54 RBIs in 130 games. He's a switch-hitter and played first base, second base, third base and left field in the minors in 2012.
The 26-year-old Balester made 11 bullpen appearances with the Tigers in 2012, going 2-0 with a 6.50 ERA (18 innings). He has pitched in the big leagues the past five seasons (mostly with Washington) and is 7-16 with a 5.30 ERA in those games (73 appearances, 22 starts). He was 1-1 with a 3.64 ERA as a reliever in Triple-A Toledo last season.
