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Reds add Mather
In need of outfield depth after their deal with the Diamondbacks for Mark Teahen fell through at the last minute, the Cincinnati Reds went out and signed Joe Mather to a minor-league deal on Saturday, reports Chris Cotillo of CLNS Radio.
The 30-year-old Mather was playing independent ball with the Lancaster Barnstormers, and was batting .278/.280/.458 with two big flies in 13 Atlantic League games. The veteran outfielder started the spring with the Philadelphia Phillies, but was released in early March.
He will report to the Reds' Double-A affiliate in Pensacola.
Brewers ink Dillard
Mather wasn't the only Barnstormer to find himself back with a big-league organization this weekend. Lancaster right-hander Tim Dillard signed a minor-league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, reports Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Dillard, 29, returns to the Brewers organization seven months after being handed his release following the 2012 season. The right-hander tossed 65⅔ innings out of the Brew Crew's bullpen between 2011 and 2012, posting a 4.25 ERA and 7.7 K/9.
For now, Dillard has reported to Triple-A Nashville, but he could get a call-up very soon if certain bullpen arms continue to struggle.
Padres sign Sams
The San Diego Padres inked outfielder/first baseman Kalian Sams to a minor-league deal over the weekend, reports Rogier van Zon of Honkbalsite.com.
Sams, 26, started the year in the Mariners' organization, where he'd been since 2007, but was released in early April. He played well for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, hitting .238/.393/.381 in seven games, but Seattle didn't have room for him at Double- or Triple-A.
Sams is off to a great start for the Padres' Double-A club, as he hit two long balls in his debut on Sunday.
