Twins sign Tim Stauffer to 1-year, $2.2 million contract

The Twins made a small move on Tuesday, announcing that they have signed free-agent right-hander Tim Stauffer to a one-year contract. Stauffer will earn $2.2 million next season, according to the team.

Stauffer, 32, has spent his entire major league career with the Padres, who selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2003 draft. He has made 183 appearances (73 starts) in nine major league seasons with San Diego, posting a lifetime 32-34 record and 3.87 ERA in 575 innings of work. The Padres were reportedly interested in a reunion with Stauffer, before he ultimately ended up with the Twins.

Stauffer made 44 appearances for the Padres last season, putting up a 6-2 record and 3.50 ERA. He will likely serve as a long man in the Twins' bullpen, working alongside Glen Perkins, Brian Duensing, Ryan Pressly, Casey Fien, and Caleb Theilbar in the team's relief mix. Minnesota has committed almost $100 million to pitching over the last few weeks, signing Ervin Santana and Phil Hughes to long-term deals.