The Texas Rangers have signed right-hander Kyle McClellan to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league Spring Trainin, reports Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News::

Rangers have signed RHP Kyle McClellan to a minor league deal with spring training invite.

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) January 15, 2013

McClellan spent his entire professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals after being selected by the club in the 25^th round of the 2002 MLB Draft. He broke into the majors as a relief pitcher, but he started 17 games for the Cardinals in 2011.

McClellan was ultimately moved back to the ‘pen during an injury-plagued 2012 season, as he underwent right elbow surgery in July. He’s since resumed throwing and the Rangers expect him to be ready for the beginning of Spring Training.

St. Louis opted to release the 28-year-old rather than go through the arbitration process with him. He owns a career ERA of 3.69 with 6.1 strikeouts and 3.2 walks per nine innings over five seasons at the major league level.