Mariners sign Joe Beimel to minor-league deal

Left-hander Joe Beimel is returning to the Mariners on a minor-league contract, according to a report from Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Beimel, who spent last season with Seattle, was released by the Rangers last week after struggling during spring training.

Beimel, who turns 38 this month, gave up eleven earned runs and thirteen hits in three innings of work for the Rangers this spring after signing a non-guaranteed deal with the club late in the offseason. He spent the entire 2014 season with the Mariners, posting an impressive 3-1 record and 2.20 ERA in 45 innings over 56 games in his first major-league action since 2011.

Beimel will provide depth in the Mariners' bullpen mix behind lefties Charlie Furbush and Tyler Olson in hopes of pitching well enough in the minors to regain a spot on the major-league roster. The southpaw has posted a career 27-33 record and 4.07 ERA in parts of twelve major-league seasons with the Pirates (2001-2003, 2011), Twins (2004), Rays (2005), Dodgers (2006-2008), Nationals (2009), Rockies (2009-2010), and Mariners (2014).