The Chicago White Sox have reportedly signed right-handed pitcher Matt Albers to a minor league contract. Albers’ contract comes with an invite to Spring Training, and he will make $1.5 million if he makes the Major League roster. This signing was first reported by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
The 32-year-old Albers is a ground ball specialist who missed all but eight games for the Houston Astros last season because of a shoulder injury. His best season was in 2012 when he posted a 2.39 ERA split between the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. Albers followed that season up with a 3.14 ERA in 56 appearances with the Cleveland Indians in 2013.
The bullpen for the White Sox will look much different this coming season with the big additions of closer David Robertson and lefty Zach Duke leading a new-look group. Albers will throw his name in to consideration, and the traditional ground ball pitcher has a good chance to make the squad. He has had success as a middle reliever in the past, and could not only be a productive pitcher, but a strong veteran leader.