Rays sign RHP Cory Wade

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed former Yankees right-hander Cory Wade to a minor-league deal and assigned him to Triple-A Durham, reports Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune.

Wade, 29, was released by the Chicago Cubs last week following a month of not-so-great outings for the team's Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. Given the struggles the Cubs have had in their bullpen this year -- both performance and injury-wise -- it's somewhat telling that Wade never got a call-up in April.

The right-hander spent the last two seasons with the New York Yankees, throwing well enough in 2011 -- a 2.48 ERA and 6.8 K/9 in 39⅔ innings -- to make the club's Opening Day roster in 2012. Wade could not repeat his success last season, however, and thus made just six appearances for the Bombers beyond the All-Star break. He was DFA-ed by New York following the season.

Before racking up innings in the Yankees' bullpen, Wade had a similar two years of relief for the Los Angeles Dodgers -- strong first year followed by a subar sophomore campaign. He owns a solid 3.65 ERA and 6.9 K/9 in 177⅔ innings over his four big-league seasons, but has been hampered by a proclivity for the long ball (1.2 HR/9).

More from MLBDD:

• MLB Scores & More: 5/14
• Bryce Harper Collides with Wall
• World Series of the Week: Rangers @ A's
• Mets Sign Ankiel