Twins sign Ryan Vogelsong to minor-league deal

The Twins have agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran right-hander Ryan Vogelsong, as first reported by Paul Roberts of WEEU.

Vogelsong, 39, posted a 3-7 record with a 4.81 ERA in 24 appearances (14 starts) with the Pirates last season, with his season shortened due to a head injury suffered in late May. He will compete for a spot in the Twins’ rotation this spring, with Ervin Santana, Hector Santiago, Kyle Gibson, Phil Hughes and Jose Berrios also in the mix for starting spots.

Minnesota has had a relatively quiet offseason, though the club did add catcher Jason Castro on a three-year deal while cutting ties with third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Athletics. The addition of Vogelsong, along with righty Nick Tepesch, adds right-handed pitching depth to an organization that is looking to rebuild this winter.

The Twins may still add pitching depth by trading second baseman Brian Dozier for pitching prospects, though a recent report from Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com notes that Minnesota is at “an impasse” in talks involving Dozier with the Dodgers, who have long been considered the favorite for the second baseman. Even if the Twins don’t trade Dozier, the Twins have multiple veteran pieces to potentially dangle in trade talks.