Royals sign reliever Jon Rauch to minor-league contract

The Royals have agreed to a minor-league contract with Jon Rauch, a 6-foot-11 right-handed relief pitcher. Rauch also will receive an invitation to major-league spring training.

Rauch, 35, went 1-2 with a 7.56 ERA in 15 appearances for the Marlins last season, but owns a career 3.90 ERA in 11 major-league seasons. He debuted with the White Sox in 2002 and has also pitched for the Expos, Nationals, Twins, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays and Mets.

In 2010, Rauch collected a career-best 21 saves for Minnesota and appeared in postseason play in two years with the Twins.

This story was originally published January 23, 2014 at 3:15 PM with the headline "Royals sign reliever Jon Rauch to minor-league contract."