Phillies sign Zach Miner to minor-league deal

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed right-hander Zach Miner to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports:

Former #Tigers righty Zach Miner signs minor league deal with #Phillies, including invite to major league camp.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 9, 2012

The 30-year-old right-hander spent four seasons -- 2006 to 2009 -- with the Detroit Tigers as a relief pitcher and sometimes spot starter, but has failed to get back to the big leagues since undergoing Tommy John surgery in early 2010.

Miner signed on with the Kansas City Royals on a minor-league deal in 2011 after a year on the sidelines, but struggled in 23 appearances between Double- and Triple-A, posting a 5.26 ERA in 66⅔ innings. The Tigers purchased Miner back from the Royals early in 2012, and the right-hander spent a majority of the year with Detroit's Triple-A affiliate, putting up a much improved 2.79 ERA in 42 innings.

The right-hander owns a career 4.24 ERA and 5.5 K/9 rate in 357 innings across parts of four big-league seasons.