The Chicago White Sox have signed right-hander Kip Wells to a minor league deal, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
An 11-year big league veteran, Wells hasn't pitched in the majors since 2009, when he put up a forgettable 5.33 ERA in 72 innings for the Nats and the Reds.
The 34-year-old recently tried out for several teams, reportedly hitting in the 93-94mph range with his fastball.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports adds that Wells' tryout with the White Sox may have been unplanned:
Kip Wells initiated minor-league deal with #WhiteSox by attending White Sox-Astros exhibition at Minute Maid Park as fan…. MORE
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 6, 2012
He found his old pitching coach, Don Cooper and threw in bullpen for #WhiteSox next day.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 6, 2012
Pitching for eight different teams in his 11-year career, Wells has a career 4.71 ERA, 4.3 BB/9 and 6.5 K/9.
Wells will begin his second stint in the Chicago White Sox organization at their Triple-A affiliate.
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Kip Wells is back with White Sox on a minor-league deal | CBSSports
Wells, 35 later this month, was throwing 93-94 mph in tryouts for teams, so it may not be quite the long shot folks might assume. White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said he was throwing "good'' and the team needed veteran depth at the Triple-A level.