Twins sign Bartolo Colon to minor-league deal

The Twins have signed veteran right-hander Bartolo Colon to a minor-league deal, according to a team announcement. He will report to Triple-A Rochester.

Colon, 44, was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Braves last week after posting a 2-8 record and 8.14 ERA in 13 starts. He signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with Atlanta last winter, so the Braves will be on the hook for the rest of his salary while the Twins pay a prorated portion of the major-league minimum if Colon reaches the majors.

There was widespread speculation that Colon would re-join the Mets in free agency, with New York expressing interest following his release from Atlanta. That situation obviously failed to materialize, allowing Colon the opportunity to provide depth for Minnesota.

The Twins currently have lefty Hector Santiago on the disabled list due to back trouble and are working with a rotation of Ervin Santana, Jose Berrios, Kyle Gibson, Adalberto Mejia and Felix Jorge at the major-league level. Colon should be expected to join the big club soon, similarly to how minor-league signee Dillon Gee was called up within days of signing with the club.

Colon owns a career 235-170 record and a 4.02 ERA in 20 major-league seasons with nine different clubs. He has never spent any time in the Twins organization.