Dodgers sign Matt Palmer to minor-league deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed right-hander Matt Palmer to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, reports Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register:

Another ex- #Angels signed to minor league contract by #Dodgers with non-roster invite to spring training -- RHP Matt Palmer

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) January 10, 2013

The 33-year-old Palmer appeared but briefly in the big leagues in 2012. The right-hander spent most of the season with the Padres' Triple-A affiliate -- where he struggled -- but did throw two innings of relief for the San Diego early in the year.

Palmer started his big-league career with three rough starts for the San Francisco Giants in 2008, then moved on to become the Los Angeles Angels' spot starter and mop-up man for three seasons. Aided by a low BABIP and otherworldly run support, Palmer posted an 11-2 record and a 3.93 ERA in 121⅓ innings for the Halos in 2009, despite an almost even K/BB ratio.

As could be expected, the right-hander's numbers have regressed in the three seasons since. Palmer owns a 5.08 ERA in 51⅓ big-league innings over the last three years, and has been unable to muster an ERA below 5.00 in Triple-A the last two.

As a side note, Palmer has now been a part of four of California's five MLB clubs, needing a stint with the Oakland Athletics to complete his tour of the Golden State.