Marlins sign Kevin Slowey, Mitch Talbot, Matt Downs

The Miami Marlins have signed right-handers Kevin Slowey and Mitch Talbot and utility player Matt Downs to minor league contracts, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America.

Downs spent the 2012 season with the Houston Astros. The 28-year-old hit .202/.253/.371 with four doubles, one triple and eight home runs over 178 at-bats while manning all four infield positions as well as left and right field. Over parts of four seasons at the major league level, Downs has hit .230/.296/.406.

Slowey was acquired by the Colorado Rockies last offseason, only to be traded to the Cleveland Indians a month later. The right-hander did not make a major league appearance in 2012, as he started eight games for the Indians' Triple-A affiliate, maintaining an ERA of 5.14. The 28-year-old owns a career ERA of 4.66 over five seasons at the major league level.

Talbot has spent parts of the three seasons in the bigs, and the 29-year-old has posted a 5.30 ERA over 43 appearances, including 41 starts.