Reds sign Ross Ohlendorf

Cincinnati signed veteran pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to a major league deal Saturday morning, according to Zach Buchanan of The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Kansas City signed Ohlendorf to a minor-league deal earlier this off-season, but he opted out of the contract earlier this week. Although he has experience as a starter, Ohlendorf will likely pitch out of Cincinnati's bullpen since the club does not have much depth beyond closer J.J. Hoover.

Ohlendorf, 33, only tossed 19.1 major league innings with the Rangers in 2015. He pitched to a 3.74 ERA and 4.94 FIP but also had command trouble over that span.

While he hasn't tossed close to 100 major league innings since 2010 with Pittsburgh, Ohlendorf could prove to be a valuable relief option for the Reds. He fastball velocity is still around the low 90s, which should make him an effective long or middle reliever.

Ohlendorf does have a notable amount of major league experience, but last season he struggled to remain healthy. He spent a majority of the 2015 season on the disabled list due to a groin injury but was still able to toss 36.2 innings in Triple-A.

Last season was Ohlendorf's first since 2008 as a reliever. He will likely give the Reds a reliable arm to call on early this year.