Rangers sign Collin Balester, Yangervis Solarte

The Texas Rangers have signed right-hander Colin Balester and infielder Yangervis Solarte to minor league contracts, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports:

Morosi adds that the new deals signed by Balester and Solarte with the Rangers include invitations to major league spring training.

The Washington Nationals traded Balester to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Ryan Perry last offseason. The right-hander appeared in 11 games for the Tigers last season, allowing 13 runs on 14 hits with 11 walks and 12 strikeouts over 18 innings.

Balester spent a majority of the 2012 season with Detroit’s Triple-A affiliate, posting an ERA of 3.64 over 31 appearances with 8.6 strikeouts and 2.3 walks per nine innings. The 26-year-old owns a career ERA of 5.30 over parts of five seasons at the major league level.

Solarte, 25, spent the 2012 season with Texas’ Triple-A club, hitting .288/.340/.405 with 28 doubles and 11 home runs.